Ballyhaise resident awarded Nuffield Scholarship
Shauna Jager, originally from Blessington, Co Wicklow and now living in Ballyhaise, Co Cavan, has been selected as one of four agri leaders to receive the Nuffield Ireland Scholarship, which allows her to take part in a two-year leadership programme.
Nuffield Ireland awards up to six scholarships per year. These encourage the development of people as future leaders in their industry and promotes international networking with excellent people in agriculture.
Although Shauna did not grow up on a farm, agriculture has become a major part of both her professional and personal life. At Bord Bia she is Client Executive for Pigmeat and Poultry, supporting the development and promotion of Ireland’s pigmeat and poultry sectors in domestic and international markets. Her work involves engaging with producers, processors, industry organisations and international stakeholders to identify market opportunities, provide industry insights and support promotional initiatives that strengthen the reputation of Irish produce.
Outside of work, Shauna is involved in her partner’s family dairy and poultry farm. She also has a keen interest in cattle and is building her own pedigree Angus herd. She combines hands-on farm experience with her professional role to support the continued growth and success of Ireland’s agri-food sector. Her Nuffield research topic is 'The future of Irish poultry: balancing productivity with changing demands'.
Nuffield Ireland Chair, Graínne Dwyer, said: “Shauna is a great example of someone who did not grow up on a farm but has made agriculture a central part of her life and career. Poultry is a sector facing changing demands, and her research into balancing productivity with those demands is a valuable contribution. We are delighted to welcome her to Nuffield Ireland.”
Shauna will be introduced at the Nuffield Ireland annual conference ‘Farming the Future - People, Purpose, Possibilities', on Friday, November 6, at the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone. The scholarship provides an opportunity to participate in an international agricultural leadership programme and become a member of a worldwide network of more than 1,700 Nuffield Scholars.