Shavaughn Jochum from St.François Xavier, Manitoba was selected as the recipient of the 2023 Peak of the Market Ltd. Bursary.
Growing up on her family’s grain farm, Jochum has been involved in the agriculture industry her entire life. Her interest in pursuing a career in agriculture grew after attending a few 4-H conferences on sustainable agriculture and food safety and through her family’s participation in Manitoba Open Farm Day.
“It was empowering to learn about all the technologies the agriculture industry is developing to improve sustainability,” she said. “I also realized how much I enjoy informing people about where their food comes from, and food science seemed like a great way to stay with the industry.”
Shavaughn is currently pursuing an education in food science at the University of Manitoba and hopes for a future career where she can inspire and teach others to reduce their food waste. She is also interested in working in product development to create products that are more affordable, accessible, and convenient. This summer, she’s gaining hands-on food safety experience working as an inspector at a cattle slaughterhouse.
The $4,000 Peak of the Market Bursary Ltd. is awarded to a student pursing a post-secondary degree in agriculture or food studies at a Western Canadian university or accredited college. Applications for the 2024 Peak of the Market Ltd. Bursary will open in March 2024.