Matthew Cherry (pictured) a trainee territory sales manager with Elders at Dubbo, NSW, is the 2008 University of Illinois scholar. He competed against representatives from all states in the national final at Tamworth which involved assessing live cattle and carcases.

His employment history has covered being an AI technician, property overseer and a feedlot stockman prior to his current position with Elders.

Matthew's family runs the Agvac Santa Gertrudis stud at Gunnedah where he has been involved in breeding decisions, AI programs, marketing and showing. He is a regular and successful competitor in junior judging competitions and competes in camp drafts when time permits.

Matthew is the 29 th young Australian to win the Illinois Angus scholarship which commenced in 1980. The University of Illinois scholarship enables the recipient to study at the prestigious University of Illinois livestock faculty. The scholar is also able to train and compete with the livestock assessment team.

Find out more about the University of Illinois scholarship here...

Matt is currently in the United States and you can read about some of his exploits so far. He was recently featured in an article in the Sioux City Journal. Read the Full article here....