Karly was presented with the award at the NSW Farmers Pork Producer Forum on Wednesday, 14 September, by Ron Pollard’s son Ean, and APL Chairman Enzo Allara.

Karly is in her third and final year of a Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Biosciences.

The aim of the award is to recognise high calibre undergraduate students and foster their interest in pursuing a career in the pork industry.

Karly undertook a 10 week placement at Rivalea Australia as part of La Trobe’s Industry Cadetship Program, and was funded by an APL Undergraduate Industry Scholarship. Karly is an outstanding student and participated whole-heartedly in her placement, gaining a wide range of skills and experience and a keen interest in the pork industry.

In receiving the award Karly said, "It is one thing to get recognition at university, but to get additional acknowledgement from an industry is very special and inspiring. This award has given me confidence to pursue further initiatives in the Australian pork industry in nutrition and/or muscular physiology."

"I would especially like to thank the Pollard family for their generous support," Karly said.

The Ron Pollard Undergraduate Scholarship award was established in 2009 by APL’s Research and Innovation Division, in memory of the late Ron Pollard. The award honours Ron’s commitment to mentoring young people in the pork industry. Ron was a respected NSW pork producer and former president of the Pork Council of Australia, and was instrumental in the restructure of a number of national industry associations which resulted in the formation of APL. He also served as APL’s interim Chairman.

In congratulating Karly for receiving the award, Westmill Products Managing Director Ean Pollard said, "It is important that the industry continues to encourage and support the development of young people. I believe this award supports that initiative. It is the "Y" generation“ of today that is the future of our industry tomorrow."