£4,000 scholarship launched to help Cheshire’s next generation of rural leaders go global

Ambitious young professionals working in Cheshire’s land-based industries are being encouraged to apply for a £4,000 travel scholarship designed to fast-track careers and bring fresh thinking back to the county’s rural economy.

The John Platt Travel Scholarship, created by Reaseheath College and University Centre and the Cheshire Agricultural Society, supports people aged 18 to 35 who work in agriculture or a related land-based industry and want to build their skills through international travel.

Recipients use the funding toward travel costs which will allow them to explore innovative farming systems, new technologies and alternative approaches overseas or in the UK, before sharing their findings to strengthen agriculture in Cheshire.

Since its launch in 2008, the scholarship has funded research trips to countries including the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Brazil, Ireland and Canada, as well as projects a little closer to home. Projects have ranged from sustainable dairy systems and pasture management to renewable energy, farm diversification, disease control and cutting-edge livestock technology all with a focus on improving profitability and innovation back in Cheshire.

Last year’s recipient, Katy Richardson, plans to use the award to tour calf and youngstock rearing units in the United States and Canada this autumn. Alongside studying for a degree in Sustainable Agriculture with Dairy Herd Management at Reaseheath, Katy works across several dairy and mixed farm businesses in Cheshire.

Her project will focus on identifying new management practices and technologies that could be adapted for use in the UK, visiting a range of rearing units of different sizes and systems to gain practical, hands-on insight.

Recent recipients have also used the scholarship to explore global approaches to marketing and livestock welfare. Niamh McGrath travelled to the United States to investigate the national dairy marketing initiative “Checkoff”.

She explained: “The John Platt Scholarship gave me the opportunity to explore large-scale dairy marketing and speak directly with industry leaders in America. The trip opened my eyes to how coordinated marketing strategies can transform consumer perception and profitability.”

Emma Pendlebury travelled to New Zealand to research the health and welfare of dairy-beef calves from pre-weaning through to post-weaning. She described the experience as a “trip of a lifetime” that enhanced her knowledge and supported her professional development.

Now in its 18th year, the scholarship was created in memory of John Platt OBE, a long-standing champion of Cheshire’s farming community and former Chair of Governors at Reaseheath for 14 years. He believed travel broadens the mind, builds confidence and brings back new ideas regardless of financial background.

Reaseheath Principal and CEO Marcus Clinton echoes these sentiments. “Exposure to different farming systems and business models challenges assumptions and sparks innovation,” he said.

“By supporting young professionals to gain that wider perspective, we’re investing directly in the long-term strength and competitiveness of Cheshire agriculture.”

In order to be considered for the scholarship, applicants must submit a proposal outlining how their research will support innovation and profitability within Cheshire’s agricultural community.

Young professionals with ambition, a clear idea and a destination in mind are encouraged to apply at: www.reaseheath.ac.uk/john-platt-scholarship

The deadline for applications is Sunday, May 17th, with the selection panel taking place on Tuesday, June 2nd 2026.