The Rural Bank Scholarship will provide financial support to the value of $5000 to Ms Miller to help kick-start her career in agriculture.

Ms Miller, who said she was “super stoked” at receiving the scholarship, is studying a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Bachelor of Veterinary Science at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga.

“I’m pretty happy. Being a full-time student, it’s hard to work at the same time,” she told the Tribune.

Ms Miller said she applied for the scholarship and went through a “lengthy application that included an interview” before she was told the good news about a month ago.

Growing up on her family’s Merino sheep farm in Bowning, Ms Miller has a passion for animals and a drive to improve the Australian agriculture industry.

After completing high school, Ms Miller took a gap year and worked in a New Zealand dairy that allowed her to learn about new technologies and the process of milk production.

Asked about the experience, she said it confirmed her desire to pursue a career in the industry.

“I met a lot of vets and enjoyed being outdoors instead of at school and in classrooms,” she said.

While Ms Miller has experienced the effects of drought, financial insecurity and two on-farm accidents which have limited her mobility, her commitment to working in the industry has never wavered.

Upon the completion of her studies in about another five years, Ms Miller hopes to work as a vet in rural areas to help farmers better care for their livestock and improve animal welfare standards.

Her advice for other young people considering the same career path is to have a go.

“Get some industry experience and see how you like it. If you do, that experience will get you places,” she said.

The 15 recipients are an increase from nine in previous years.

Alexandra Gartmann, Rural Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, said an increase in the number of scholarships offered through the 2018 program reflected the depth of bright young Australians passionate to contribute to the future prosperity of the agriculture sector.

“Over recent years, we’ve seen an increase in the number of scholarship applications received, as well as greater diversity in the ways in which the applicants intend to contribute to the agricultural sector,” Ms Gartmann said.

“It was inspiring to read the unique stories within the 150 applications received this year.

“While access to tertiary education continues to be a barrier for many regional and rural-based students, their ambition to undertake tertiary education really shone through,” he said.

The scholarship may be used to cover accommodation, course materials, equipment and tutoring.

Subject to academic performance, scholarship funding will also be extended to support recipients’ second year studies.