Whanganui born and bred, Lincoln University BAg Science student Sam Cranstone is off to study at Colorado State University (CSU) in August 2026.

Sam is the 2026 recipient of the Angus NZ CSU Internship, supported by Lincoln University Exchange.

At 19, Sam is in his second year of study at Lincoln and has been enjoying animal science, particularly breeding genetics, as well as learning about different farming systems and practices. “I enjoy hearing different perspectives and discussing the reasoning behind them, especially when relative to sheep and cattle.” 

“I am also enjoying the people I meet as I study, through university and industry connections, and discussing with and learning from a wide range of people at all levels of the industry.”
CSU and its beef production study programme has been on his radar for a while now so he was thrilled to win the scholarship to travel and study at Fort Collins, Colorado for two semesters.

“When discussing cattle and genetics with others at Lincoln, and my plans in the cattle industry, CSU was often suggested to me – the scholarship provided a great opportunity to get there,” he said. “The opportunity to spend time working on the CSU ranch also excites me – I look forward to working in a very different environment to New Zealand and all the learnings that will bring.”

Sam plans to spend 11 months in the US, studying at the university and then working on the CSU ranch for a few months, with a timeframe to be confirmed. He has registered for mainly animal science courses at CSU (focusing on genetics, evaluation, and stud stock) as well as a couple of business management papers.

“Because of the way I have timed the exchange in my degree I can take effectively any courses I like in the areas of science, animals and management (all of which should cross credit back to Lincoln).”

Taking a year out of the degree means it will not take him any longer to complete, he will just have to finish the second semester of second year and then complete third year.

“I hope to gain valuable connections, new perspectives on agriculture, globally and in the US and discuss and take part in new and different management practices to those done widely in NZ especially in cattle genetics and breeding.”

Sam grew up on a Whanganui farm, where his family have produced Hereford stud genetics for four generations, specialising latterly on beef genetics for dairy cows. 

Farming has been his career plan from a young age. “I’ve loved working on the farm, beginning to build a small team of dogs from age 13 and getting outside whenever I can, whether I am hunting, working, training dogs, or shifting stock, being a favourite.”

Growing up with a stud background Sam developed his passion for cattle and is the main reason behind studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree. “Over the last year I have undertaken a personal project looking into Beef on Dairy, and Beef supply chains. I believe that with genomics and new technology, beef production in New Zealand could be improved significantly, especially at a commercial level. I plan to follow on with this project throughout my time at university, and work into an honours project in this area during my final year, when I return from CSU.”

Sam is very agnostic about individual breeds – believing there are great opportunities in the beef industry for all breeds. “Currently there is more variation within a breed than between them, what matters is the breeding of that specific animal, or the breeding objectives for that particular stud or line.”

“I am hesitant to believe one breed is better than another for many situations, however obviously individual animals will no doubt outperform others, but no one can taste the coat colour of the animal on their plate. So I strive to be breed agnostic with anything in the cattle industry.”

Sam enjoys hunting, working dogs, and getting outdoors in general, and is looking forward to the experiences open to him in Fort Collins, Colorado, on the edge of the Rocky Mountains. He has also become involved in Young Farmers, currently secretary of the Lincoln University Club and a keen participant in the district competition. “I have loved every bit of being a part of the club – the people, events, leadership opportunities and everything else has been great, I plan to keep having a go at the competitions and stay involved in the organisation well into the future.” 

When he finishes studying, he plans to remain in the agriculture industry saying he would love to remain focused on cattle, whether in a genetics role in the industry or on-farm. “Eventually after gaining some experience and new ideas I would like to return to the family farm in Whanganui.”