AECL Managing Director, James Kellaway, said Kate was a worthy winner of the inaugural Egg Scholarship as she represented the new free-range egg farmers who were following new trends and capturing those emerging markets.

“AECL is proud to sponsor this scholarship that represents a substantial investment in the future capacity of the egg industry. The Nuffield Scholarship is a prestigious award in the agricultural sector and it is wonderful to see a small free range farmer like Kate win the inaugural Egg Scholarship," Mr Kellaway said.

Kate is a new free range egg farmer who started out with 150 hens in 2005 and whose flock size will increase to 6000 hens by the end of the year. Her area of study will also look at educating the consumer about a sustainable future in Australian agriculture.

“The Nuffield experience is a fantastic opportunity to gain a global perspective on agriculture and, in this case, eggs. I will learn from many industries around the world with experience applicable to the egg industry,” Kate said.