From chemistry to crop science: how a bursary led to new possibilities

After discovering a deep desire to add tangible value to society, Meryl Awkes left the lab and entered the field, literally and figuratively, by pursuing a master’s degree in soil science at Stellenbosch University.

Her research, which explored the use of fly ash as an alternative to lime for ameliorating soil acidity in maize production, laid the groundwork for meaningful agricultural innovation.

What made Awkes’s transition possible was more than just financial support; it was the vision and structure that the Maize Trust brought to her postgraduate experience.

“It gave me peace of mind and opened doors,” she recalls. With the bursary covering tuition and living costs, Awkes was free to focus on her field trials in Mpumalanga and even explore the economics side of agriculture.

This multifaceted preparation positioned her perfectly for Standard Bank’s first agricultural graduate programme, an opportunity that became a launchpad for a rewarding career supporting farmers and agribusinesses across South Africa.

Today, Awkes remains deeply committed to giving back to her industry and the younger generation. “There is no field I’d go into where I don’t feel I add value to society,” she says.

Her message to the youth is clear: resilience matters, and in agriculture, you’ll find a community that is ready to lift you up.

“The Maize Trust made my journey possible. I hope they never lose focus, because there’s still so much more work to do,” says Awkes.

For more information on the Maize Trust visit agrimanage.co.za.