Your future in agriculture is waiting.
The possibilities are endless, so dream big and think AG!
Benefits of Applying
Saskatchewan's agriculture and agri-food industry offers numerous career opportunities - from production, research, processing, manufacturing, to finance and everything in between. In fact, the industry accounts for about 50,000 jobs across the province.
For students who want to tell the exciting story of agriculture, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture offers the Agriculture Student Scholarship. This award is funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3.5 billion investment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada's agri-food and agri-product sectors. The winning scholarship is valued at $6,000 and the three runner-up scholarships are valued at $3,000 each.
Eligibility
We are looking for young people who plan to pursue a career in the industry. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be a Grade 12 student or recent high school/GED graduate (within the past two school years) residing in Saskatchewan who is planning to take agriculture-related post-secondary education beginning in the fall of 2025. Post-secondary schools do not have to be located in Saskatchewan and may be any accredited post-secondary institution in Canada. Applications from those who self-declare as Indigenous, persons with disabilities and visible minority persons are encouraged.
Note: Ministry of Agriculture and Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation employees and their immediate family members are not eligible.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the Application Form and:
- Produce a creative three-minute video or 1,000-word essay (criteria below);
- Provide a letter of conditional acceptance to a post-secondary institution; and
- Provide a letter of recommendation from either a teacher/professor, agriculture industry leader or community leader.
The application deadline is March 1, 2025.
Application Theme and Criteria
Applications to the 2025 Agriculture Student Scholarship program should align with the theme, solutions to challenges in agriculture and answer one or more of the guiding questions below. Applicants should clearly articulate a challenge that the agriculture industry faces, with special consideration to how this affects public trust in agriculture, then explore creative solutions to solving the challenge. Submissions can focus on how the industry can improve its practices, adopt new technologies, communicate practices more effectively or ways industry can enhance trust with the public. Applicants are encouraged to be thoughtful with their submissions and to include sourced evidence along with personal perspective. A good submission includes facts to support your analysis/commentary.
Guiding questions:
- What are the most pressing challenges currently facing the agriculture industry and what innovative solutions are being developed to address them?
- How can the agriculture industry effectively communicate, with the public, the efforts and advancements made to overcome challenges?
- What strategies can be implemented to improve transparency in agricultural practices and enhance public trust?
- How can Saskatchewan producers collaborate with others (e.g., researchers, policymakers, etc.) to solve agricultural challenges?
- What is/are successful case study example(s) of industry innovation and what key lessons can we learn from it/them as we look to the future?
- How can education and outreach programs be designed to inform the public about how industry is advancing?
Finding Inspiration
When developing your essay or video, consider the following:
- Seek out and interview individuals involved in different aspects of the industry. There are many dedicated people committed to sector innovation in Saskatchewan. Who knows? Their stories may just inspire you!
- What are your favourite resources to learn about all things agriculture? Do you have a personal connection with someone in the industry? Or maybe you have a favourite website or video that discusses agricultural practices?
- What should consumers know about Saskatchewan producers and their farming practices?
Note: These questions are meant as a guide and you are not required to address each of them directly in your application.
Still not sure where to start? Check out these links for some great ideas.
- thinkAG Career Profiles
- The Real Dirt on Farming
- Saskatchewan's Stewardship Journey
- Past Scholarship Winners
- SnapAG
- Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan
- 4-H Saskatchewan
- Public Trust in Agriculture
Evaluation Process
Videos and written submissions will be judged by a review committee based on alignment with the theme provided, development of ideas, structure and clarity, creativity and quality, and professionalism. Leadership qualities and school/community involvement in your letters of recommendation will also be taken into consideration. Please note videos longer than the four-minute maximum will not be considered.
The Ministry of Agriculture reserves the right to publish or promote all submissions as deemed appropriate.
Scholarship Recipient
Scholarship recipients will be notified by May 2025. Recipients will need to submit their Official Confirmation of Enrolment, as issued by their post-secondary institution, prior to receiving the scholarship funds.
For More Information, Please Contact
Bryce Lewans, Public Trust Specialist
Phone: 306-519-3240
Email: bryce.lewans@gov.sk.ca