Anna Sutcliffe

2023

Agriculture

Anna Sutcliffe has always had a strong passion for dairy farming. Reflecting on her scholarship experience, she says, “My dream has always been to bring passion and care to dairy farming, and this scholarship gave me the chance to turn that into real knowledge and action.”

As part of the 2023 Agriculture Scholarship, Anna travelled to New Zealand to deepen her understanding of mental and physical health and wellbeing within the dairy industry, a cause close to her heart.

Her journey began in Tauranga on New Zealand’s North Island, where she stayed with Richard and Heather Harkness. Their warm hospitality helped her settle in quickly and provided a welcoming introduction to the farming community.

Anna’s scholarship included visits to DairyNZ’s research farm and headquarters, where she met with research engineer Brian Delaru and office representative Jane Muir. These conversations gave her valuable insights into innovative projects shaping New Zealand’s dairy future.

She also attended the South Island Dairy event at Lincoln University in Christchurch. Over three days, Anna took part in a conference and farm tours that highlighted the importance of mental and physical wellbeing for farmers. “Farming is about more than just the work; it’s about caring for the people behind it,” she reflected. She also took time to appreciate the stunning natural beauty of the region.

Back in Australia, Anna was honoured to share her scholarship journey at the BBM reunion at Calmsley City Hill Farm. Connecting with the “little brothers,” the early UK migrants who helped build the local farming industry, was a deeply inspiring experience.

Nearly eight years on, Anna returned to Tocal College, where she was once a student and now works as part of the dairy staff. She supervises afternoon milking and mentors’ students, helping them develop confidence and a passion for farming. “There’s nothing better than seeing someone discover their love for farming,” she says.

Anna’s dedication to both people and animals embodies the spirit of the Scholarship program. We thank her for sharing her journey and the impact it continues to have.