McGregor Gourlay’s story begins in 1897 when John Archibald McGregor established JA McGregor & Co Stock & Station Agents in Warialda NSW. In the decades that followed JA was joined first by his sons, and then his grandsons, with each generation bringing new skills & vision to the business.

Ian McGregor was one of those grandsons, returning to Warialda to join the business in the late 1960’s after an early career in real estate in Sydney. He intended to continue in real estate, but could soon see the growing opportunity in cropping inputs and farm merchandise.

Over the next decade JA McGregor & Co rapidly expanded in this area, opening a new branch at Croppa Creek and offering one of the first dedicated agronomy services by a rural retailer in the region. Ian led JA’s partnering with a group of local industry professionals in 1987 to establish McGregor Gourlay Agricultural Services in Moree NSW, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Ian was a passionate advocate for the region, serving on the shire council, leading the local SES command, and chairing various sporting organisations. He strongly believed in developing local talent through the ranks at McGregor Gourlay, and made sure his team took every opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge.

The Ian McGregor Memorial Scholarship is proudly offered by McGregor Gourlay in Ian’s memory to support candidates to pursue further education or professional development in an agricultural or business-related discipline. Valued at $5,000, this scholarship is designed to assist candidates with financial expenses associated with their education or professional development.

Through this annual scholarship, McGregor Gourlay hopes to inspire the next generation to a successful and rewarding career in agriculture.

FOR EXTERNAL CANDIDATES, the following criteria applies:

• Live in or attended high school across the footprint of Moree, Bellata, Croppa Creek, Goondiwindi, Warialda, Inverell or Bingara
• Entering your second last or final year of study in 2026 in an agricultural science, animal science, business, finance, information technology or related discipline.
• Ability to commit to completing 4 weeks paid industry experience with McGregor Gourlay within 12 months of receiving the scholarship
• Demonstrate a passion for agriculture and pursuing a career in the industry

FOR INTERNAL CANDIDATES, the following criteria applies:

The Ian McGregor Memorial Scholarship aims to financially support an internal team member in pursuing professional development opportunities.

• Working within McGregor Gourlay in a permanent capacity for a continuous period of at least 12-month at the time of application
• Interested in completing further study, qualification or training in an area relevant to your role and/or the business.
• Demonstrate a passion for agriculture and commitment to advancement within your role and/or business

How to Apply

Applications open 1st August and close 31st August 2025. Head across to our website and select ‘Ian McGregor Memorial Scholarship’ and follow the process of adding your resume and answer the questions attached to your application. https://mcgregorgourlay.elmotalent.com.au/careers/careers/