The Nuffield International Farming Scholarship Program offers funds for farmers to experience agriculture in other countries around the world. Started in 1947, the program just became accessible to Americans in the past four years. Nuffield Scholars travel to various countries as a group for six weeks, then individually to complete a research assignment. Commodity groups sponsor the scholars to pay for related expenses.

Brock Taylor, a long-time independent agronomist in Clovis was just named to the Nuffield USA Board of Directors.

TaylorFor me, it's, it's really leadership. Going back to their own community with all this experience and traveling and meeting other people and dealing with people while you travel and bringing that back to their own community. So that's, that's a really good thing. The commodity group funds it and sponsors it, but then they're coming back to their own community in a leadership role for the community, which I really like.

Taylor first became involved with Nuffield by planning visits to California for foreign scholars. He says most participants are farmers or ranchers in their 30s or 40s, and have someone who is able to takeover their management responsibilities while they travel.

Scholars choose their individual travel areas based on their research topic. They then bring that knowledge back to their local communities.

Nuffield is accepting applications and will be conducting interviews in the spring. Learn more and apply at http://www.NuffieldInternational.org.

Link:

Nuffield Scholarship Program Funds World Travel for Farmers - AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST - AGInfo Ag Information Network Of The West