A Southland student is one of seven recipients of this years Meat Industry Association (MIA) scholarships.

Lily Brankin from Otautau is in her second year of a Bachelor of Commerce degree (Agriculture) at Lincoln University.

The Meat Industry Association (MIA) awards its annual scholarships to seven young New Zealanders considering careers in the red meat processing and exporting sector.

This year’s new scholars are studying subjects ranging from food science to agribusiness, food marketing and supply chain management.

Undergraduates receive $5,000 (per year) while post-graduates receive $10,000 (per year) scholarships. 

Sirma Karapeeva, chief executive of MIA, said the range of subjects being studied by the new and returning scholars reflects the many different career opportunities across the red meat processing and export sector.

“A number of our scholars are already contributing through their research. For instance, one of our returning scholars, Hennie Pienaar from Invercargill, is researching musculo skeletal injuries in red meat processing for his PhD, with the aim of making his thesis a manual for best practice in the industry."

“There were more than 40 applicants for the 2022 scholarship programme. We are very pleased with the high calibre of applicants and the knowledge and interest they have about the red meat sector," Karapeeva said.

The 2022 Meat Industry Association scholars are: 

• Chloe Lennox from Waverley, third year B.AgriBusiness and Food Marketing double major in Supply Chain Management at Lincoln University

• Emma Yorke from Whangarei, first year B.Agricultural Science at Massey University

• Josh Tatham from Masterton, first year B.Marketing major, Agricultural Innovation minor at Otago University

• Lily Brankin from Otautau, second year B.Commerce (Agriculture) at Lincoln University

• Molly Goodisson from Havelock North, fourth year BSc(Hons) majoring in Food Science, minor in Marketing at Otago University

• Nicola Schroeder from National Park, first year B.Agribusiness and Food Marketing majoring in Supply Chain Management at Lincoln University

• Angus Grant from Christchurch, second year B.Commerce (Agriculture and Professional Accounting) at Lincoln University. 

The MIA also runs a mentoring programme for its scholars, including a networking and educational event during the year, with presentations from key figures from across the industry. 

The organisation currently has a total of 21 scholars, with 14 existing scholars also continuing to receive support under the scheme.