Both recipients are currently in their second year of Bachelor of Agriculture studies at the University of Melbourne.

Riverine Plains Inc treasurer and Scholarship Fund trustee, Barry Membrey, explained that in awarding two recipients for 2020, the John Hanrahan Scholarship Fund was doing its part to support agriculture in the region now and into the future.

"The John Hanrahan Scholarship is named in honour of the late John Hanrahan, a successful farmer from Coreen who had a passion for agriculture, a thirst for knowledge and real sense of community" Membrey said.

"Both Sophie and Lachlan possess these same characteristics and we can see this in the way they approach their respective educational, sporting and cultural interests," he said.

Sophie Hanna is a passionate contributor to her family's beef cattle business at Walwa and hopes to become an agronomist while continuing her involvement on the farm. Sophie is also interested in plant genetic research and hopes to advance crop and pasture varieties for farming systems. 

Lachlan Quibell is interested in plant production, especially broadacre crop and perennial horticulture systems. He is also passionate about engaging with the wider community about agriculture and wants to be part of a new generation tackling production issues while also focussing on factors such as greenhouse gas emissions, farm feasibility and sustainability.

As the 2020 recipients of the John Hanrahan Scholarship, both Sophie and Lachlan receive a bursary of $5000. Both students are also looking forward to accessing the work experience, mentoring and educational opportunities that form part of the scholarship.

Applications for the 2021 round of the John Hanrahan Scholarship will open in July. Further details will be available from www.riverineplains.org.au closer to this date.