SOUTHERN Inland Queensland students moving toward a career in agriculture or agribusiness are now eligible to receive a helping hand.

Students in the industry now have the opportunity to apply for a special agriculture student bursary to help assist with their studies.

AgForce General President and Mitchell cattle and grains producer Grant Maudsley announced opening applications for the 2017 Gus McGown Memorial Bursary at a Mitchell and District Dinner.

Mr Maudsley said the bursary will make a big difference to a student pursuing a career in agriculture.

"The memorial bursary winner will receive $5000 to go towards funding to assist tuition fees for an accredited qualification, undergraduate study or post graduate levels within Australia,” Mr Maudsley said.

Mr Maudsley said the bursary was named after a passionate industry representative and advocate Gus McGown, who lost his battle with cancer in 2014.

"Gus was a valued contributor to a range of AgForce, government and non-government organisation boards and committees,” Mr Maudsley said.

"Gus developed respect among many stakeholders who constantly sought his opinions on pastoral land management.”

Maranoa Graziers Trust Chair Don Compagnoni said the bursury is another opportunity for students to remember the vital agriculture work put into the Maranoa region.

"This bursary is a chance to remember Gus and all the work he did for the Maranoa region.”

The applications for the bursary are open until February 24.

For more information visit: www.agforceqld.org.au and to apply.