Launching the new bursary were Heather Humphreys , Minister for Rural and Community Development, with Kevin Keaveny, Boyne Valley Co-Op; John Kelly, principal, Teagasc Ballyhaise College; Christy Nulty, John Clinton, chair of Boyne Valley Co-Op; and Dr Anne-Marie Butler, Head of Education in Teagasc.

Boyne Valley Farmers Co-op sponsors Ballyhaise bursary

The Minister for Rural and Community Development and Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, has launched a bursary for students attending Level 5 and Level 6 in Teagasc Ballyhaise Agricultural College, sponsored by the Boyne Valley Farmers Co-op.

A purchasing group established over 25 years ago, the group has 55 members based in Meath and Louth. This co-op purchases inputs collectively for its farmer members as well as selling cull cows, all with the objective of obtaining the best possible value for the members.

Co-op chairman John Clinton explained: “Boyne Valley members regularly host students on work placements. We decided to offer bursaries to students in Ballyhaise Agricultural College to show our appreciation for their help each year”.

He added: “We would like to encourage students into education, so our first bursary is to students to help fund their college expenses. The second bursary is for students who are planning to travel, to help cover their travel expenses. We believe that it is important to travel and to see the diversity of different farming systems across the world”.

John Kelly, principal of Teagasc Agricultural College in Ballyhaise, informed those at the launch that the first bursary would be offered to two Level 5 first year students that would benefit most from the financial assistance the bursary will offer. The second bursary would be available to two Level 6 students who intend to travel abroad as part of the work practice practical learning. Each bursary is worth €1,500 which will make a positive impact to the students that will be in receipt of the bursary. He thanked Boyne Valley Co-op for their generosity.