Young farmers backed to build skills and invest in the future of Victorian agriculture

15 July 2026

Agriculture Victoria is calling on the next generation of farmers to apply for the Young Farmers Upskill and Invest Scholarship, with applications now open for 2026.

The scholarship offers up to $10,000 per recipient, supporting young farmers and farm workers to build skills and invest directly in their businesses.

Participants can access:

• up to $5,000 for study or training, and
• up to $5,000 to put new skills into practice, including professional development, business planning or on-farm improvements.

Since the program began in 2015, 146 young farmers across Victoria have been supported to develop practical skills, strengthen their businesses and drive innovation on-farm.

Agriculture Victoria CEO Beth Jones said the program is a key investment in the future capability of Victoria’s agriculture sector.

‘These scholarships are about empowering the next generation of farmers with the skills, confidence and tools they need to innovate, adapt and lead in a changing industry.’

‘When young farmers build new skills and put them into practice, it drives innovation, strengthens farm businesses and delivers benefits for communities across Victoria.’ said Ms Jones.

The program is designed to be flexible and tailored, recognising the diverse aspirations and pressures facing young farmers and enabling them to pursue training that directly supports their business goals.

Among the 2025 scholarship recipients is Kerstin Jarvis, a fourth-generation beef farmer in north-east Victoria, who is focused on improving livestock productivity through data and nutrition.

Kerstin is building advanced knowledge in livestock nutrition through specialist training, while investing in digital farm management software and weigh scales to better monitor animal performance and inform real-time decisions.

In Victoria’s apiculture industry, Keely McDonald is strengthening queen bee breeding capability to improve hive productivity and resilience.

Through the scholarship, Keely is undertaking specialised training in queen bee artificial insemination and farm tourism, alongside investments in equipment to enable controlled breeding and support disease resistance, contributing to long-term pollination capacity and food security.

These examples highlight how the scholarship supports practical, on-farm outcomes, helping young producers translate learning into measurable improvements.

Applications for the 2026 Young Farmers Upskill and Invest Scholarship are now open and close at 5pm on 14 August 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit the Young Farmers Scholarships page.

Media contact: media@deeca.vic.gov.au