Hard-work and commitment to NZ win through

Since its inauguration in 2013, the UPL Lincoln University Scholarship has been awarded annually to outstanding students.

Jonathan Jamieson and Lucy Blakeman.

This year is no exception, with Lucy Blakeman and Jonathan Jamieson taking home the 2025 scholarship.

The scholarship is for students undertaking studies in land-based degrees with an interest in arable farming, horticultural science, plant science, soil science, and farm management. It is one of the ways UPL NZ gives back to the industry and invests in the future of agriculture.

Ash Pace, NZ regional manager central South Island, and Pieter Van Der Westhuizen, regional manager upper North Island, were on the panel, which interviewed the shortlist of eight exceptional candidates. Pace says they were looking for people who are going to make a difference and have a huge passion for the sector.

“We also wanted hard workers who could help drive New Zealand forward. In short – future role models.”

Lucy Blakeman, now in her fourth year of a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, says she is loving her studies—particularly her animal and plant science classes. Born and raised in Northland, her passion for farming was sparked during school holidays spent on her family’s farm in the King Country.

When home in the Far North, Lucy never misses a chance to saddle up during hunt season or head out for a dive. She is passionate about changing perceptions of farming—bringing it back to its roots as the backbone of NZ and a proud provider of food for the country and the world.

“Agriculture’s full of opportunity,” she says. “I’m excited to see where it takes me.”

Jonathan Jamieson, from Bulls, comes from a proud rural background and is currently in his second year of a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) at Lincoln University. With a strong passion for the arable sector and a love for all things farming, he’s looking forward to making his mark in the industry.

When he isn’t studying or working, he manages to fit in hunting, diving, fishing, playing rugby, or running—making the most of everything Christchurch has to offer. One of Jamieson’s favourite quotes is telling:

“If you are standing still, you are going backwards.”

Ash Pace says he and Pieter Van Der Westhuizen look forward to seeing both scholars representing agriculture in the future. Along with the rest of the UPL NZ team, they wish them all the very best for their studies and for the future.