It took one YFC member 10 years to pluck up the confidence to apply for a YFC Travel opportunity to work in New Zealand but the waiting paid off after she was awarded a place.
Rebecca Barker, a beef and sheep farmer from Cartmel YFC in Cumbria, was one of many YFC members who applied for the C Alma Baker scholarship to work in New Zealand from January 2024 for four months.
On hearing that her application had been successful, Rebecca said:
“I feel over the moon that I have been chosen. I’ve been wanting to apply for the last 10 years but never had the confidence to do it. I was very shocked and excited that I actually got chosen. Never in a million years did I think I would have been picked!”
Rebecca will work with a team on Limestone Downs, a beautiful beef, sheep and dairy farm on the coast in the North Island of New Zealand. After the four months, Rebecca will also have a month of free time to explore the country.
She said: “I have always wanted to go to New Zealand and this is an amazing opportunity to work and travel. I will be doing as much sightseeing as I can in between work. I have family over there so it will be amazing to have the chance to see them and explore the gorgeous landscape.”
Rebecca hopes to learn and develop her farming knowledge while working on the farm. She also hopes that her adventure will inspire younger members in her club to apply for these opportunities.
There are three more opportunities for YFC members to work in New Zealand as part of the C Alma Baker Trust scholarship. Vacancies are available for May 2024, September 2024 and January 2025. YFC members must submit applications before 10 November 2023.
There is also a Richard Wigram Scholarship available for one YFC member to work on a dairy farm in New Zealand for eight to 10 months from June/July 2024.