Scholarship will help Calum fulfil his dream

Calum Linton, pictured on his family farm in Te Puke, is in his third year of a veterinary science degree at Massey University.

A veterinary science student from Te Puke has had his ambition for farming rewarded with a $2500 scholarship from Agcarm.

Calum Linton, 23, is in his third year of a veterinary science degree at Massey University and plans to use his recently won funds to complete the practical vet placements for his degree.

"Work placements take up a lot of time in the holidays where I would normally be working on the farm," said Mr Linton.

He hails from a sheep and beef farm but has also worked on a dry stock farm, a dairy farm and a kiwifruit orchard.

"Growing up in a rural community, I gained a variety of useful attributes such as tenacity, workmanship and honesty," he said.

After his studies he plans to pursue a career in large animal practice, as he is passionate about farming and animal health, an area he believes is crucial to New Zealand's economy.

"A healthy national flock will mean a healthy economy and a good return on what's produced on the farm."

He also emphasised the importance of veterinary medicines. "Vets need cost-effective and reliable products to treat bacteria, fungi and viruses," he said. "These organisms evolve rapidly, so vets rely on animal health manufacturers to research and develop treatments to manage them. For example, animal health manufacturers come up with new animal drenches or combination drenches as parasites develop resistance to the drenches in use.

"Without the pharmaceutical industry, being a vet would probably be impossible."

Outside of his studies he can be found playing tennis, hunting wild fallow deer, fishing in the Tarawera Lakes District or diving for paua and butterfish in Wellington.

Agcarm chief executive Mark Ross said the association was pleased to contribute towards the future of a dedicated, intelligent and hard-working student.

"Calum's application was of a very high calibre. We were extremely impressed with the passion he showed for animal health, and believe he will do well in his veterinary career," Mr Ross said.

Agcarm has two scholarships to support education and raise awareness about careers in Agcarm-related industries including a horticultural scholarship.