Cecil Brown Scholarship

Applications are now open

The Cecil Brown Scholarship honours Cecil Brown, a highly respected sheep man who spent his working life at Hazeldean, Cooma. Cecil balanced natural stockmanship with a willingness to embrace innovation and generously shared his knowledge—qualities that continue to drive the sheep and wool industry forward today.
The Scholarship recognises and supports young people from the Monaro region who are actively involved in the sheep and wool industry. It offers the opportunity to broaden skills, networks, and knowledge through travel, further education, and hands-on learning experiences.

What the Scholarship Offers

The Cecil Brown Scholarship provides a New Zealand study tour, together with support for an approved educational activity, for a young person from the Monaro who is actively involved in the sheep and wool industry.

The study tour provides the opportunity to visit progressive and innovative producers, processors and marketers in New Zealand. The recipient will also receive support for an educational activity of their choice, such as a short course, workshop, conference or on-farm learning experience, approved by the Scholarship Committee.

Together, these opportunities are designed to broaden the recipient’s skills, knowledge, networks and connection to the wider sheep and wool industry. The Scholarship is particularly suited to applicants with enthusiasm and potential who may not otherwise have the opportunity or financial means to gain experience beyond the region.

Who Should Apply

The scholarship is open to people who are:

  • Residing in, or have a strong connection to, the Monaro region
  • Actively involved in the sheep and wool industry, either through study, work, or family enterprise
  • Demonstrates enthusiasm, potential, and a willingness to learn

Key Dates

StageDate
Applications open5 October 2026
Applications close25 October 2026, 11:59pm
Interviews9 – 13 November 2026
Recipient announced2 December 2026 – MFS Summer Field Day

How to Apply

  1. Review the Terms & Conditions and Expectations of Successful Applicant documents before applying.
  2. Prepare your responses
  3. Submit your application online:
    👉 Apply Now

For any questions, contact Monaro Farming Systems
📧 [email protected] | 📞 0407 089 677

Expectations of the Successful Applicant

The recipient will be expected to:

  • Participate fully in the scholarship program, including the New Zealand study tour and an approved educational activity such as a course, workshop, or on-farm experience.
  • Submit a short written report within three months and give a presentation at an MFS Field Day or other agreed event.
  • Support promotion by sharing photos, updates, or short articles for MFS newsletters, social media, and local media.
  • Represent the scholarship professionally, acknowledging the Cecil Brown Scholarship and its sponsors in all related activities.

About Cecil Brown

The Cecil Brown Scholarship is named in honour of Cecil Brown, a well-respected sheep man who spent his working life on Hazeldean, Cooma, as stud sheep overseer. Cecil was an excellent stockman with a natural talent for sheep breeding. He embraced the use of measurement in selecting superior sheep and was widely admired for his generosity in sharing knowledge with younger breeders. He balanced natural stockmanship with innovation, embodying the adaptability that continues to drive the sheep and wool industry forward today.

The Cecil Brown Scholarship is proudly supported by Gordon Litchfield Wool.