A Te Puke veterinary science student's ambition for farming has been rewarded with a $2,500 scholarship from Agcarm.

Calum Linton 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.

Calum Linton received a scholarship award from Agcarm at the Massey University awards ceremony. Photo: Supplied.

'Work placements take up a lot of time in the holidays where I would normally be working on the farm,” says Calum.

The 23-year-old is from a sheep and beef farm in Te Puke, and has worked on a dry stock farm and a dairy farm as well as a kiwifruit orchard.

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

After his studies, Calum's ambition is to pursue a career in large animal practice, as he is passionate about farming and animal health - an area he sees as 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 explains.

'Vets need cost effective and reliable products to treat bacteria, fungi and viruses.

'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.”

Agcarm chief executive Mark Ross says the association is pleased to contribute towards the future of dedicated students committed to animal welfare.

'Calum's application was of a very high calibre,” says Mark.

'We were extremely impressed with the passion he showed for animal health, and believe he will do well in his veterinary career.”

Agcarm is the industry association of companies which manufacture, distribute and sell products that keep animals healthy and crops thriving.