The 2025 Cecil Brown Scholarship Recipient

The 2025 Cecil Brown Scholarship was awarded to Hugh Platts, providing him with the opportunity to travel to New Zealand and explore farming systems and practices relevant to producers on the Monaro.

Hugh spent 18 days travelling through Central Otago, visiting a range of Merino and mixed farming businesses. His trip provided exposure to different approaches to sheep production, including ewe fertility and management, worm and fly resistance, wool marketing, irrigation and winter feeding, and emerging technologies such as virtual fencing. Hugh shared his observations and key learnings with MFS members at the 2026 Winter Field Day.

The scholarship continues to be supported by the Cecil Brown Scholarship Committee, which assists with the selection process and coordination of the program.