Well-placed to weather conflicts
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
"Growing up on a dairy farm in the Tararua district, I have built a strong passion for the dairy industry and general farm life," says Schroder.
He plans to study a Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree with a major in nutrition.
"I also aim to complete an honours year to develop a greater understanding in dairy nutrition and farm systems. I love the idea of working with farmers and helping them achieve their financial and production targets to create a better farming business."
Recipients of the scholarship often go on to work for Ravensdown eventually; the fertiliser co-op's general manager research and innovation, Mike Manning says the grant is "good for Braydon, good for Ravensdown and, by developing future leaders in the agricultural sector, good for New Zealand".
The scholarship was established in memory of the late Hugh Williams, who was a Ravensdown director from 1987 to 2000. The grant offers sons or daughters of Ravensdown shareholders $5,000 a year for the duration of their studies for an agricultural or horticultural degree at Lincoln or Massey Universities.
