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Sophie HansenWinner of the 2016 RIRDC Rural Women’s AwardFull coverage p 6-11

NEW CHAIR TO ENABLE NEW PATHWAYS p 3

CONNECTING YOUNG INNOVATORS p 12-13

THE IMPORTANCE OF IMMIGRANT FARMERS p 16

The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Magazine Spring 2016 ISSUE 19DIVERSITY

Message from the Managing Director

Message from the Managing Director 2

New RIRDC Chair 3

WA riches on show in field visit 3

Leadership: expanding the talent pool 4

Sports clubs lead the way 5

Tapping passion for success 5

Rural Women’s Award 6

Social media know-how for rural gain 6

Tropical innovator for all seasons 7

Finalists: in their own words 8

Gala dinner 10

Young leaders connect at GrowAg 12

Business innovators collaborate 14

Horizon Scholarship opens eyes 15

Overseas workers bring value 16

RIRDC news 18

New RIRDC publications 19

Q&A: Food for thought 20

CONTENTS MESSAGEFROM THE MANAGING DIRECTOR

Welcome to this ‘Pride and People’ issue of RIRDC’s Diversity magazine.

This issue highlights RIRDC’s programs and initiatives helping people in rural industries reach their potential. We are growing the capability of our future farming leaders. We are developing networks, catalysing new ideas and boosting the uptake of innovation. We are nurturing and promoting vibrant young careers in agriculture.

I am proud of the role RIRDC plays in building resilient and adaptive rural industries that underpin many of Australia’s regional communities.

I congratulate Sophie Hansen, national winner of the 2016 RIRDC Rural Women’s Award. Sophie is using the rich and responsive connectivity of social media to bring local growers and city consumers closer together through her ‘My Open Kitchen’ podcasts. The range of talent and depth of passion among all of our state and territory finalists underscores the strength of the RIRDC Rural Women’s Award and this program’s contribution to leadership in rural Australia.

The inaugural GrowAg Summit brought together 100 smart young agriculturalists to challenge traditional thinking. ‘Innovation, Collaboration and Communication from Paddock to Plate’ is the resulting GrowAg vision, now driving delegates to implement changes in their businesses to boost Australian agriculture.

RIRDC is a strong supporter of the Horizon Scholarship, which funds tertiary study and young careers in agriculture. In this issue we hear from final-year scholar Alex Trinder and new scholar Jonathon Moore on what the Horizon Scholarship has brought to their bright agricultural careers.

Immigrant farmers and holiday workers contribute to the productivity of agriculture and vibrancy of rural communities. This contribution is supported by a recent RIRDC study highlighting new innovations transferred by immigrant farmers and the warm welcome these farmers receive in Australia.

Now based in Wagga Wagga, NSW, on the Charles Sturt University Campus, I am excited about RIRDC’s future and I look forward to exploring the opportunities our new location offers.

Enjoy. It’s all about ‘Pride and People’.

The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) is one of 15 Research and Development Corporations across agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries. Investing in research and innovation, RIRDC supports rural industries that do not have their own RDC, new and emerging rural industries, and invests in research to address common issues across agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors. RIRDC plays a critical role in delivering tangible, practical improvements to the productivity, profitability, sustainability and community of rural industries.

ISSN: 1833-3311 ISBN: 978-1-74254-916-3 RIRDC Pub No 16/070 RIRDC Diversity — November 2016Published by the Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation, November 2016 Design and editorial by Coretext Pty Ltd, www.coretext.com.auCover photo by Seth Buchanan

2 RIRDC DIVERSITY SPRING 2016 www.rirdc.gov.au

www.rirdc.gov.au SPRING 2016 RIRDC DIVERSITY 3

New RIRDC Chair

Enabling pathways that help rural industries succeed as part of thriving regional communities is a priority for the new RIRDC Chair,

Kay Hull AM.Mrs Hull was appointed to the role in

August 2016. Throughout her professional life she has

aspired to strengthen regional and rural Australia. This provides the opportunity for future generations to work in innovative and exciting industries, she says.

“The way to do this is to enable our producers to be productive and competitive in a global environment,” Mrs Hull says.

The former federal parliamentarian, Wagga Wagga deputy mayor, Tourism NSW director and businesswoman says she is looking forward to working with her fellow directors, focusing on RIRDC-supported industries.

“Smaller industries contribute so much to our way of life and provide opportunities in international markets,” she says. “They play a really important role securing Australia’s economic future.”

With a strong record of community engagement, Mrs Hull says she will encourage face-to-face meetings with the sector to hear people’s needs.

“I’d like a grassroots understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our producers,” she says.

Enabling rural industries to succeed requires a range of supporting measures, including education and training opportunities and strong regional transport.

During her 12 years in Federal Parliament, Mrs Hull was committed to rural communities and industry illustrated by, among other issues, her support establishing Rex airline, fighting against the sale of Snowy Hydro, and advocating for wheat, cattle, rice and honey producers in her electorate.

“I think I can combine all that experience with the general passion I have for the industries and communities that I love and have represented over many years to be an effective voice,” she says. “If I can now play a small part in ensuring that pathways are opened for their success I will be very happy.”

RIRDC Managing Director John Harvey says he is looking forward to working with Mrs Hull as the organisation relocates to Wagga Wagga — her home town.

“She has an enormous wealth of experience, an intimate understanding of regional communities and absolute passion for rural industries,” he says. “So it’s going to be really exciting times.”

WA’S RICHES ON SHOW TO RIRDC BOARDThe wealth that small and emerging industries bring to regional Australia was highlighted during the 2016 RIRDC Board field visit to south-west Western Australia.

RIRDC Managing Director John Harvey says it was fascinating to see how small, niche industries have worked together to become an economic powerhouse for their state.

In and around Margaret River these businesses generate a buzz that attracts tourists and other associated businesses, he says. “They have created momentum and multiple reasons for people to visit.”

It was important for RIRDC directors to see that supporting emerging industries could result in such positive outcomes for regional areas – building the economy through primary production and agri-tourism, he says.

Food industries were the focus of the four-day July tour, which included a strategic workshop and two roundtable discussions with key industry, research and government representatives. Among the tour highlights were visits to truffle, venison, sheep’s milk cheese, manuka honey, alpaca and thoroughbred enterprises.

The producers gave directors a firsthand account of challenges on-farm and provided insights into building and marketing a brand based on provenance to national and international markets. “Through common branding, quite disparate industries can work together and build a regional identity and economy,” Mr Harvey says.

The annual tour, which visits a different region each year, was Mr Harvey’s first as RIRDC Managing Director and was a valuable introduction to the diverse farming industries supported by RIRDC. Margaret River, he says, was an ideal place to start. “It’s going to be hard to beat.”

Grassroots engagement with producers is the first item of business for RIRDC’s new Chair.

NEW CHAIR BRINGS PASSION FOR RURAL INDUSTRIES

Left RIRDC Managing Director John Harvey (third from right), with board members (from left) Tony Hamilton, William Ryan, Heather Stacy, Kevin Goss, Kay Hull and Keith Steele.Photo: Hilary Wardhaugh


Diversity in decision making

RURAL LEADERSHIP: EXPANDING THE TALENT POOL

The stereotype of rural leaders as ‘middle-aged white men’ could become a thing of the past, with RIRDC-funded research paving

the way for more diversity in agricultural decision making.

Rose Elphick Darling of Victoria University’s Institute for Supply Chain and Logistics has led a study to better understand how people of different ages, genders, professional and cultural backgrounds can play innovative leadership roles across rural supply chains.

She says the nature of rural industries, which are characterised by depopulation, a lack of social infrastructure and poor participation by women, can be a barrier to attracting a diverse range of talent.

“It’s not just a challenge facing Australia’s rural industries,” Ms Elphick Darling says. “There are similar dynamics at play when it comes to filling agricultural leadership roles in other OECD countries.”

The solution is to tap into the leadership potential of previously undervalued groups.

“The benefits that are linked to diversity of the workforce at the senior leadership level include increased profitability, productivity and innovation,” Ms Elphick Darling says. “However, research shows that many diverse groups are under-represented at a leadership level (as opposed to the farm/operational level) in rural industries.”

These include: Women: Although one-third of farmers are women, they are under-represented in industry-level decision-making.

Young people: Under-35s struggle to enter rural industries as decision-makers.

Indigenous people: The Indigenous estate (including land management, tourism and agricultural enterprises) covers 40 per cent of the Australian continent. Building the capacity of this group would tap into social and economic benefits.

Different cultures: According to Diversity Council Australia, the agriculture, forestry and fisheries industries consistently rank lower than others for their ability to recruit, reward and promote individuals from all cultural backgrounds.

There are already initiatives to attract and retain these groups in rural industries. For example, the Australian Rural Leadership Program provides mentoring opportunities for emerging leaders; local catchment management and Landcare groups offer leadership skills for women, youth and Indigenous people; and many ASX 500 companies offer Indigenous internship and graduate programs.

However, the RIRDC-funded research highlighted maintaining supply of diverse candidates as a challenge, especially in light of the ‘brain drain’ to other sectors.

To address this, researchers recommended rural industries adopt strategies such as:

• creating a register of candidates with broad skills and experience (not just in agriculture) as a talent pool for board and senior management positions

• actively sponsoring (not just mentoring) women to promote their talents

• respecting work-life balance by providing decision-making teams with creche facilities or using video/teleconferencing

• exposing young people to decision-making roles in family farms and corporate businesses

• attracting people from diverse cultural backgrounds to regional centres

• encouraging rural industries to look beyond agricultural education institutes for leadership candidates to disciplines such as general management, science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and human resources

• ensuring succession-planning advice for family farming businesses includes females and is based on aptitude, skills and commitment rather than gender

• engaging with diverse communities to broaden the pool of candidates available for senior roles.

“Australia’s rural industries need active strategies such as these to remove barriers to diverse leadership and accelerate change,” Ms Elphick Darling says.

Research shows that many diverse groups are under-represented at a leadership level in rural industries.

MORE INFORMATION [email protected]


Achieving results – RIRDC Rural Women of the Year 2015 and 2014

Sarah Powell wants people in her community to see themselves as leaders, empowered to make a difference. It’s the inspiration behind her Champions Academy, the social enterprise that won her the 2015 RIRDC Rural

Women’s Award and which inspires leadership through mentoring programs at local sports clubs.

“It’s about changing people’s mindsets that they’re capable of creating change and being a part of the decision-making process,” she says. “The best outcome is for them to realise they can advocate on behalf of their community to keep it vibrant.”

By the end of its first year the academy, piloted at Sarah’s local Ports Football and Netball Club on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, was realising those outcomes. Six of the original 14 participants stepped into the club executive, three into other key roles, three became coaches, one a league delegate and one was named Young Citizen of the Year by local government.

Over a sport season, the Champions Academy gives ambassadors aged 15 to 25 and their mentors (aged 25 to 40) the skills to make a difference in their clubs and in their communities through four key program elements.

Sarah hopes her program will help arrest the impact of people leaving country towns by empowering them to create resources in their own communities. And the word is spreading. Through her public speaking engagements associated with the Rural Women’s Award win, communities across South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales have discovered the program.

“My plan and my hope is that as many rural communities as possible get access to this because if they can get the same positive impact and create the same groundswell as we have, there is an opportunity to make a huge change in rural Australia where we can solve problems from within our communities instead of waiting for someone else to come along and fix things.”

Pip Job likens a successful farming enterprise to a bucket of water. “When it’s full to the brim your business is profitable, people are content and you’re contributing to a healthy landscape.

“But each social problem is a hole in the bucket and if it is leaking it makes it bloody hard work to fill up,” says the 2014 RIRDC Rural Women’s Award national winner.

Pip says social issues are significant barriers to farming enterprises reaching their full potential. It’s not until those issues — or holes — are fixed that they can thrive.

Pip has used her award bursary to develop a social audit instrument — Positive Farming Footprints — which is in its final stages of development with NSW DPI, where she now works. Her social audit will comprise questions through which farming families can pinpoint strengths and weaknesses across a range of issues. These include succession planning, communication, business acumen, mental wellbeing, and attitudes towards education and training.

The results will be provided in a ‘traffic light’ format where an issue requires urgent action (red), needs to be acknowledged (orange) or is satisfactory (green). Insights will also be provided about people’s true interests and how they can best be used.

Pip, a former beef producer and Landcare CEO, says she has connected with her own passion since winning the award — developing her social audit tool, taking it to workshops in NSW and Queensland, and by sitting on the NSW Primary Industries Ministerial Advisory Council and the Australian Beef Industry Sustainability Steering Committee.

These opportunities, she says, would never have eventuated were it not for the Rural Women’s Award and the network ‘explosion’ that has come with it. “It’s given me a confidence and sense of purpose in life: helping farmers overcome some of this really difficult ‘people’ stuff because it’s often the hardest thing to deal with.”

SPORTS CLUBS LEAD THE WAY

TAPPING PASSION FOR SUCCESS

RIRDC Rural Women’s Award 2014 national winner Pip Job.

Photo: Loree Photography

RIRDC Rural Women’s Award 2015 national winner Sarah Powell.Photo: Amy Rowsell Photography

MORE INFORMATION [email protected], 0437 241 688 MORE INFORMATION [email protected]


2016 RIRDC Rural Women’s Award

with social media and build communities, customers and peer support,” Sophie says. “It’s designed to be a fun, social experience that gets everyone collaborating and connecting in a positive way.”

Initially broadcast once a week, the podcast is “full of really useful information presented in a friendly, engaging and entertaining way”, Sophie says. It has insights from producers, writers and photographers adept at social media, and information on apps and marketing.

Sophie will use her award bursary to develop an online course in social media. She hopes it will have broad appeal — for primary producers, value-adders such as wine and cheese makers, regional tourism operators, and anyone wanting to improve their use of social media.

“Social media is incredibly powerful and can go a long way towards bridging the gap between urban and rural Australia by helping people understand what’s going on in our farms,” she says.

Plus, it’s not bad for business. “It’s a great way to connect with customers or for chefs

to gain interest in your product,” she says. “Telling the story behind your product gets people more invested and engaged with it.”

Sophie says being able to develop her project is only one part of the broader value of being involved in the Rural Women’s Award. It has also helped her gain skills to better promote her work.

“I was doing all this stuff behind a computer but struggled to speak in public. If I wanted to reach more people, I had to learn these skills,” she says. “We’ve been given lots of training and I’m certainly feeling more confident about getting up in front of an audience.”

RIRDC Managing Director John Harvey says Sophie will be a “brilliant ambassador”. “She has the talent to create real change by influencing the conversation around educating consumers on where their food comes from and buying local,” he says.

MORE INFORMATION www.local-lovely.com [email protected] In her own words: youtu.be/7A1hei2s66I

Sophie Hansen began blogging to give readers a glimpse behind her farm gate, sharing stories and ideas for cooking the venison she

produces along with other food from the region.

It was a natural way for the former food writer and magazine editor to keep writing after moving from Sydney to her husband’s Mandagery Creek Venison farm in Orange.

Some five years later, her ‘Local is Lovely’ blog has evolved into a go-to source of inspiration and information about regional farms, kitchens and markets, showcasing produce, stories, recipes and events.

Its success has also inspired a podcast — ‘My Open Kitchen’ — the project responsible for Sophie’s national win in the 2016 RIRDC Rural Women’s Award. The podcast, co-hosted by ABC rural reporter Skye Manson, is designed to encourage others to use social media to their advantage, as Sophie has done with her blog.

“We want to give farmers the basic skills and confidence they need to connect

THE ANNUAL RIRDC RURAL WOMEN’S AWARD recognises the outstanding work of women in business and communities across regional Australia. It identifies and supports emerging female leaders

SOCIAL MEDIA KNOW-HOW FOR RURAL GAIN

Photo: Seth Buchanan



who have the desire, commitment and potential to make a greater contribution to the sector. Finalists representing each state and territory each receive $10,000 to help deliver a project benefiting rural people and industries. The 2016 national winner,

announced in September at a Parliament House gala in Canberra, receives an additional $10,000 to further her cause and the runner-up an extra $5000. All finalists take part in a leadership and development workshop, receive ongoing support and access to a

would reduce pressure on the dry season and help mitigate risk. While the Ord is already home to more than 40 crops, she will return armed with intelligence on techniques and varieties gathered from visits tofarms and government and research institutions.

She also wants to see how agribusinesses are value-adding and identifying opportunities to reduce the impact of freight costs, a critical issue for producers in remote areas like the Ord.

The cost to freight maize, for example, is half the amount growers are paid for the raw product. But buy a corn crusher — as she has — and the bagged-up processed product commands nearly twice as much.

“As a result I’ve employed more people, invested more resources in my local area and reduced my freight component. That’s why I think value-adding is so important for remote areas,” she says.

“Infrastructure challenges, including transport, are among the greatest impediments to the growth of agriculture in the tropics,” Kalyn says, but she also sees

an opportunity to address these issues through the Rural Women’s Award.

Drawing people’s attention to the issues facing tropical agriculture is a big step forward, she says. “For the government to invest, the people of Australia need to support it, and that will only happen if they are aware of the opportunities and, even better, visit the area,” she says.

The opportunity to spread her message about her region’s potential has been the most important element of the award. “It’s hard to be heard from the Ord, but this gathers people together and offers a chance to tell your story,” she says.

RIRDC Managing Director John Harvey says Kalyn’s aspiration to expand northern Australian agriculture is exciting. “Kalyn has the passion, drive and determination to make a difference in her region and to the wider Australian tropical agriculture industry,” he says.

Most people probably wouldn’t choose to travel to a tropical region in the wet season. But Kalyn Fletcher isn’t like

most people. A grain grower, seed producer, rum

distiller, agronomist and tourism operator from the Ord River Irrigation Area in the East Kimberley, Kalyn has a passion for tropical agriculture — 12 months of the year.

“When agriculture’s in your blood, looking at it is a holiday, whatever the season, and I can’t wait,” she says.

As the national runner-up in the 2016 RIRDC Rural Women’s Award, Kalyn is using her bursary to travel to Brazil to learn about cropping systems in the Cerrado tropics.

Timing the trip with the rainy season is deliberate, she says, because that’s when there is most to learn. The Cerrado region, unlike the Ord, is renowned for successfully producing crops through the wet. “In Australia we go through a hibernation,” she says. “So I want to learn what they are doing — and how they are doing it.”

Kalyn says increased farming options

TROPICAL INNOVATOR FOR ALL SEASONS

MORE INFORMATION [email protected] her own words: youtu.be/tVRjlF4iJxM

network of award alumni mentors. Applications for the Rural Women’s Award 2017 closed in November. State and territory winners will be announced early next year.

It’s hard to be heard from the Ord, but this gathers people together and offers a chance to tell your story.

Photo: Vicky Biorac

8 RURAL DIVERSITY SPRING 2016 www.rirdc.gov.au


“I want to change the misconceptions of careers in agriculture and present it as a valued occupation, contributing to society.”

MARTINA MATZNERHumpty Doo, Northern Territory Mango farm manager In her own words: youtu.be/_8kBsm_96v8

Photo: Nichole Taylor

“I love working with farmers, especially family farmers, and I want to help them to build greater prosperity in their businesses.”

EMMA ROBINSONCharters Towers, Queensland grazierTwitter: @caerphillybeefIn her own words: youtu.be/-3MZN1WVzoo

Photo: Linda Kelso

www.rirdc.gov.au SPRING 2016 RURAL DIVERSITY 9


“I want to create something that’s really different and really compelling to give people a reason to come and visit us.”REBECCA DUFFY Rowella, TasmaniaWinemaker and vineyard managerIn her own words: youtu.be/Y7AuNBRr-ZM

“There came a point where I wanted to step out of the lab and have more impact.”JESSICA LYE Melbourne, VictoriaAUSVEG National Manager of scientific affairs, Twitter: @JessicaLyeIn her own words: youtu.be/yGA4NTlSULE

Photo: Chris Crerar

Photo: Jacqui Way

Photo: Sharon Blance

“I have seen firsthand the waste in the washing/grading/packing facilities in the potato industry. I feel an absolute responsibility to reduce this.”

ROBBIE DAVIS Meningie West, South AustraliaPotatoes South Australia CEO and beef cattle producerIn her own words: youtu.be/KMGSgCQS2kI

A scientist, a winemaker, graziers and a mango farmer – the 2016 RIRDC Rural Women’s Award state and territory finalists are as diverse as the industry they represent.


2016 RIRDC RURAL WOMEN’S AWARDSeven state and territory finalists mingled with guests at a gala celebration at Canberra’s Parliament House in September to mark the announcement of the 2016 RIRDC Rural Women’s Award winner and runner-up.


Above National winner Sophie Hansen and runner-up Kalyn Fletcher.

Left Susan Bower and Westpac representatives with the national winner and runner-up.

Below Leanne Bunn, Sara Scott, the Hon. Barnaby Joyce MP, Emma Robinson and Barbara Cespedes-Romero.

Below left Daryl Quinlivan, Heather McGilvray, Cathryn Geiger and Philippa Woodhill.

Below Michelle Deshong, Cathy McGowan MP and Georgie Somerset.


Photos: Irene Dowdy, Big Dam Pty Ltd


Below left RIRDC Chair Kay Hull and Tasmanian state winner Rebecca Duffy.

Below Members of the RIRDC Board with the national winner, Sophie Hansen (third from left), and runner-up, Kalyn Fletcher (fourth from right).

Left 2016 state and territory RIRDC Rural Women’s Award winners.

Above MC Catriona Rowntree.

Above Andrew Campbell and Sarah Vandermark.

Above Alfred and Katrina Pizzini.


GrowAg Summit

YOUNG LEADERS CONNECT AT GROWAG

In a meeting of minds, emerging young leaders from the Australian agricultural industry explored advances in agribusiness, education, technology, finance and leadership at the GrowAg summit in

Albury, New South Wales, in late September.RIRDC Managing Director John Harvey said

the first-of-its-kind event hosted by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) and RIRDC challenged traditional industry views and practices.

“We encouraged delegates to not only look at innovation, but to consider what they need to do right now to capitalise on developments in technology, smart business and leadership,” Mr Harvey said.

“GrowAg identified emerging industry leaders for inclusion in the program, and the event heralds a new generation of innovative thinking and problem-solving looking at challenges that have the potential

to disrupt Australian agriculture over the next few years.” To help overcome these challenges, the summit inspired delegates to become beneficiaries, rather than victims, of industry changes, Mr Harvey said.

The summit’s three-day program immersed delegates in a range of themes, such as how Australian agribusiness can best capitalise on global opportunities; how future innovation in technologies, markets and products can transform the Australian agricultural industry; and the most effective ways to develop young industry leaders’ capabilities.

Delegates were encouraged to consider the immediate steps they could take ‘on Monday’ to effect industry change. In the week following the event this was reflected in social media activity, a re-evaluation of R&D priorities and commitment to collaboration. Hosting the summit sessions

The summit inspired delegates to become beneficiaries, rather than victims, of industry changes.


GrowAg Summit

Left GrowAg delegates, sponsors and speakers at All Saints Estate, Wahgunyah. Photos: Able Media Productions

were platinum partners Westpac Agribusiness, Case IH, Coles and the University of New England School of Environmental and Rural Science, as well as sponsors NBNCo, the Indigenous Land Corporation and Rimfire Resources.

R&D corporations and industry organisations also supporting the sessions included the Council of Rural Research and Development Corporations, Cotton Research and Development Corporation, Australian Wool Innovation, Australian Pork Limited, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, Sheepmeat Council of Australia, Wine Australia and GrainGrowers.

“The event would not have been possible without these key partners, who were committed to ensuring delegates left the summit with greater understanding, as well as the knowledge and solutions to improve practices within their industry sectors,” Mr Harvey said.

Clockwise from left GrowAg delegates catch up on industry advances; discussion at a breakout session; Northern Territory delegates; Dr Amanda Doughty from the University of New England; the Indigenous Land Corporation’s Craig North; at the NBN Co Sky Muster truck; RIRDC Chair Kay Hull.

Right Race Discrimination Commissioner Tim Soutphommasane.

Left Ella Shannon, founder of online job site AgDraft, speaks at GrowAg.

14 RURAL DIVERSITY SPRING 2016 www.rirdc.gov.au

GrowAg showed there are really clever solutions out there for farming well. Apps for day-to-day farm management are exciting because they help farmers optimise operational efficiency.

Ideas raised at GrowAg have resonated with two young agricultural business innovators who were both delegates and speakers at the event, and who are now collaborating as a result.

Ella Shannon AgDraft founder, Cowra, NSWFor Ella Shannon, founder of online job site AgDraft, which matches farmers with agricultural workers, the GrowAg summit has highlighted new business development opportunities.

In particular, Ella says the emphasis on industry advances in technology showed the potential to apply ‘big data’ to her business, which she established in October 2015.

She now envisages that big data analysis could be used to apply algorithms to AgDraft’s online platform, allowing for an automated, predictive system.

“It was valuable to gain a better understanding of the technological advancements that are out there, so that AgDraft can position itself to change as the industry changes,” Ella says.

Another brainchild stemming from GrowAg’s overarching emphasis on collaboration is the addition of a ‘discussion board’ to the AgDraft website, she says.

“AgDraft has about 9000 page views a month and we need to provide a platform that not only connects people to work, but also enables them to share and discuss ideas and issues.” She aims to use feedback from the discussion board to

MORE INFORMATION Ella Shannon, 0414 135 334, [email protected]; Sam Marwood, Cultivate Farms, 0408 356 042, [email protected]

Sam Marwood Cultivate Farms co-founder, Albury, VictoriaFor Sam Marwood, co-founder of novel business Cultivate Farms, which aims to secure farms for young families with investor capital, the GrowAg summit has driven home the value of a cooperative approach.

Spurred by the summit, Sam has started collaborating with fellow delegate Ella Shannon via Skype to explore the synergies between their businesses that might allow for marketing and cross-promotion. “We’re trying to figure out how we can support each other with measures like co-branding and media coverage,” Sam says.

For example, he sees potential for AgDraft to recruit casual labour for Cultivate Farms’ first farm acquisition: a 404-hectare beef cattle operation near Albury, Victoria. In the same vein, the farms that Sam hopes to buy with his business partners, Tim and Tegan Hicks, have potential to generate clients for AgDraft.

Apart from providing a forum to connect with other “like-minded rural entrepreneurs”, he says the opportunity to identify and glean new insights from industry leaders and specialists at GrowAg was another major drawcard. “GrowAg showed there are really clever solutions out there for farming well. For example, apps for day-to-day farm management are exciting because they help farmers to optimise operational efficiency and we want to make sure investors have confidence in the way our farms are managed.”

But Sam says the most outstanding benefit of the summit is the impetus it provided for building his business model, thought to be the first of its kind in the world. “It reinvigorated me to keep pushing to make my business work,” he says.

guide development of her online business model, which uses an Airbnb-style viewing system to reference and recommend farm workers.

AgDraft services the cropping industry across New South Wales, but the next steps in the business’s development involve extending its reach into the livestock and horticulture sectors.

She says another major benefit of the GrowAg summit was that it provided a holistic overview of the Australian agricultural industry and its global context, which has helped inform her plans to make the site national by the end of 2017.

DELEGATES IN PROFILE

GrowAg Summit

Below The collaborative approach works for GrowAg delegates Ella Shannon, of AgDraft, and Cultivate Farms’ Sam Marwood.Photo: Able Media Productions


Horizon Scholars

Graduating students praise scholarship

THE HORIZON SCHOLARSHIP is a RIRDC initiative – supported by industry and government – to counteract the shortage of graduates pursuing agriculture. It provides a $5000 bursary for each of the scholar’s years of study. Scholars are sponsored by industries and undertake a two-week placement as part of the program, as well as receiving mentoring and professional development opportunities, including attending an annual summit. Applications for 2017 open at the beginning of November and close on Friday 17 February 2017. Go to www.rirdc.gov.au/horizon for more information or to apply.

In June, 43 university students were in Canberra for the 2016 Horizon Scholarship Summit. New scholar Jonathon Moore, and Alex Trinder, who is in her final year of the scholarship, talk about their experiences.

Alex TrinderFourth-year Charles Sturt University student Alex Trinder has nothing but praise for the Horizon Scholarship program.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to experience different agricultural workplaces and to receive training and financial support,” she says.

The program has allowed her to gain skills in social media, podcasting, public speaking, leadership and networking by participating each year in the annual Horizon Summit. She feels she will be able to put these skills to use when she obtains her dream job as an agronomist.

Alex says the scholarship’s yearly work placement opened her eyes to the diverse range of careers available in agriculture and helped her to develop contacts that she will draw on when she enters the workforce.

The program, which supported Alex

MORE INFORMATION www.rirdc.gov.au/horizonsyn.org.au/show/horizon-scholars-podcast-series/

though the four years of her tertiary study, enabled her to meet a wide variety of people. These included politicians Barnaby Joyce and Fiona Nash, other scholars and industry leaders, through attending the Rural Women’s Award dinner, the Australian Women in Agriculture conference and a rice research and development day.

Such experiences have given Alex the confidence to take the initiative and to speak out — advice she has imparted to first-year scholars. “Don’t be afraid to say what you want from the program and if someone presents you with an opportunity through this, go for it because it will only lead to more opportunities.”

She is thankful to RIRDC and her sponsors, the McCaughey Memorial Institute and RIRDC Rice Program, for the opportunity to participate in the Horizon Scholarship program since 2012.

Left Alex Trinder and Jonathon Moore.Photo: Sean Davey

I’m hoping the program will open my eyes to different aspects of agriculture and maybe help me to think differently.

Jonathon MooreJonathon Moore was thrilled to win a Horizon Scholarship earlier this year and says the June summit was an excellent chance to learn more about leadership.

The first-year Bachelor of Science in Agriculture student at the University of Sydney says the highlight of the three-day summit for him was a dinner at the National Arboretum Canberra.

“The dinner gave us the opportunity to meet more than 40 agricultural industry representatives,” he says. “It was amazing to speak with like-minded people who are passionate about agriculture and to hear how they have carved out successful careers.”

At the summit Jonathon also learned that everybody has a role to play in being a leader, provided they’re willing to share ideas, try new things and pass on what they learn to others.

Beyond the financial assistance provided each year, Jonathon says the program lets him experience a wide variety of agricultural careers. When Jonathon started his degree, his goal was to work as an agronomist.

“I’m hoping the program will open my eyes to different aspects of agriculture and maybe help me to think differently,” he says.

Jonathon is thankful to RIRDC and his sponsor, the Grains Research and Development Corporation, for the opportunity to participate in the program.


New Immigrants

Overseas workers and families bring value to Australian agriculture

The important role that immigrant farmers and workers play in helping overcome labour shortages in Australian agriculture

is highlighted in a new RIRDC-funded study. The ‘New Immigrants Improving

Productivity in Australian Agriculture’ study also highlights agricultural innovations and entrepreneurship introduced by permanent settlers, including refugees, and temporary immigrants, including working holiday-makers.

The comprehensive three-year research project is the first of its kind and fills a critical knowledge gap about the contribution of immigrant farmers.

It found the increasing number of permanent and temporary immigrants has contributed greatly to the productivity of Australian agriculture and the re-energising of regional and rural towns.

Lead researcher Professor Jock Collins says the research illustrates the many different levels at which immigrants play an important role.

Source of innovationSkilled farmers bring not only experience but also innovation in techniques and commodities. South African and Zimbabwean farmers, for example, have brought water-saving technologies, while

“We can’t underestimate the valuable contribution immigrants make. Living and spending in rural towns is just as important as the productivity they bring to the agricultural economy.”

Asian growers have introduced new products to the food market. Permanent settlers also help fill succession gaps where younger generations are not replacing ageing farmers.

Short-term workers fill cyclical needs, Professor Collins says. For example, working holiday-makers are a large and mobile workforce helping to meet demand at harvest and providing labour for unpopular jobs. National Farmers’ Federation Workplace Relations General Manager Sarah McKinnon says the study’s report showcases the crucial role migrant workers play in the regional economy and in addressing labour shortages that remain a consistent challenge for industry.

“Fundamentally, there is a scarcity of agricultural workforce data in Australia that tells the story about how important migrants are to agriculture,” she says.

Professor Collins says the critical role immigrants have played in Australia’s agricultural history has grown over time. Australia’s intake of seasonal workers has swelled from 400 in 2010-11 to more than 2000 in 2013-14, the report documents. In terms of absolute flows of working holiday-makers, in 2012 Australia took in more than the US, Canada, New Zealand and the UK combined.

More than just a source of labour, migrants bring new techniques, spending power and hope for rural renewal.


New Immigrants

Below Kaw Doh Htoo and Ehthadah Paw Nyo, Karen refugees from Myanmar who have settled in Nhill, Victoria, with their children Harmony, Plot and Kaw Mu. Photo: Melissa Powell

Below left Project contributor Dr Devaki Monani (left) with Hmong refugee Lang Vang, who runs a successful banana enterprise near Innisfail, Queensland, after arriving in Australia 15 years ago.Photo: Jatin Thakar

Key in the ranks of temporary workers is Pacific Islanders. The report found that after a successful uncapped demand-driven pilot program in the horticulture sector, workers from this region are likely to become more important to Australia’s agricultural sector in the coming decade.

Reports of unsatisfactory work experiences in the Pacific Seasonal Worker Program and exploitation of some working holiday-makers are noted in the report. The research does not clarify the extent to which temporary migrants working in agriculture experience exploitation. However, experiences of migrant worker exploitation do jeopardise future migrant flows into agricultural jobs.

Encouraging settlement Professor Collins says it is important these issues are documented and expects the report to help inform policymakers setting parameters for immigrant labour and addressing labour shortages.

Strategies to increase the number of immigrants settling in rural and regional Australia are likely to benefit the

ATTRACTION TACTICS

The ‘New Immigrants Improving Productivity in Australian Agriculture’ study report recommended consideration of policies that: • better target migration to areas

of shortages• target immigrants with sound

farming experience• redirect and incentivise more permanent

immigrants to non-urban areas• increase the number of working

holiday-makers and promote a ‘second visa’ opportunity

• improve farmers’ knowledge of the Pacific Seasonal Worker Program

• reduce exploitation of working holiday-makers and Pacific seasonal workers

• increase the number of settlement opportunities for refugees in rural and regional Australia

• continue to develop local initiatives to welcome new immigrants.

MORE INFORMATION Professor Jock Collins, [email protected]. See a full copy of the report at www.rirdc.gov.au/publications

agricultural sector and rural and regional communities. (See the breakout box for the report’s recommendations.)

While most refugees and humanitarian immigrants settle in cities, the research shows they add considerably to the agricultural sector workforce and contribute to rural renewal in Australia.

“We can’t underestimate the valuable contribution immigrants make to farms and also rural communities,” Ms McKinnon says. “Living and spending in rural towns is just as important as the productivity that they bring.”

Professor Collins says the research found rural and regional townships receptive to new immigrants. “The warmth of the welcome in the bush has been a very strong result from our research,” he says. “The majority of workers come away with positive social and economic experiences.”


News

Below The pilot workshop testing training and education modules developed by Food and Agribusiness Solutions.Photo: RIRDC

Below right Trawler captain Arron Jones says the ‘High Performing and Safe Teams’ program has given him tools to help ensure his crew’s safety.Photo: James Tolmie, Cox Inall Communications

BETTER WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY

A RIRDC-run workshop has tested training and education modules developed by Food and Agribusiness Solutions (FAS). It was a practical step in improving agriculture’s record in workplace health and safety (WHS).

The August pilot in Wagga Wagga was part of work funded by the Primary Industries Health and Safety Partnership (PIHSP) to develop a training program and resources providing accessible and user-friendly WHS information. Ultimately PIHSP is helping farmers improve their practices.

PIHSP research shows that access to reliable real-time WHS information is cumbersome and difficult to negotiate. As part of the project, FAS will develop an easy-to-access, searchable, online library of information on WHS resources.

An information sheet on the PIHSP partnership is available at https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/items/16-066

MORE INFORMATION www.rirdc.gov.au/pihsp

MORE INFORMATION youtu.be/UZ8I63QlIbQ

MORE INFORMATION Australian Fodder Industry Association (AFIA) 03 9670 0523; [email protected],

WHS Fishing industry WHS

Export fodder Commercial fishers from the Northern Prawn Fishery (NPF) have welcomed an Australian-first program to improve health and safety in their industry.

The program ‘High Performing and Safe Teams’ aims to reduce workplace deaths and injuries by changing the way leaders communicate; for example, teaching skippers how to keep the crew ‘switched on’ while performing routine tasks.

The marine sector remains one of the most dangerous workplaces, losing more than 800 working weeks to injury for every 1000 employees over the period 2008-09 to 2011-12.

Eighty crew members have taken part in the Sentis-run program funded by the Primary Industries Health and Safety Partnership (PIHSP) with NPF Industry Pty Ltd, which represents fishery operators. After initial training in 2015, safety attitudes and actions were monitored and a refresher course held for skippers in August.

NPF skipper Arron Jones says the program has given him the tools to better communicate with his crew and ensure their wellbeing during months of high-stress work.

“If you have a calm and relaxed crew then you are more efficient overall,” he says.

EXPORT FODDER LEVY RESEARCH PLANThe inaugural export fodder levy meeting was held in Perth to plot a research path for the industry for the next five years.

The meeting, which brought together the Australian Fodder Industry Association (AFIA) Hay Exporters Committee and RIRDC representatives, followed the 1 July 2016 introduction of a 50-cent per tonne levy for export fodder to fund research. The levy funds will be matched by the Commonwealth Government.

More than 80 per cent of fodder exported from Australia is oaten hay, providing a key differentiation against other exporters typically trading in lucerne. Other fodder exports include wheaten hay, barley hay, cereal straw, lucerne, vetch and Rhodes grass.

RIRDC Managing Director John Harvey says the levy represents a milestone for the Australian fodder industry, which achieved an estimated $383 million of exports in 2015. “A statutory levy and matching funding is a real sign of the industry maturing,” he says.

AFIA director Peter Gillett says research priorities include: the continuation and expansion of the oat breeding program looking into issues such as disease and varietal improvement; fodder analysis to ensure consistency between producers; chemical residue testing; hay agronomy; animal nutrition; and market research.

There will also be scope to invest research dollars into issues as they emerge, Mr Gillett says.

FISHING INDUSTRY SAFETY: COMMUNICATION IS KEY

Below centre Gilmac hay processing facility in York, Western Australia.Photo: Evan Collis


News

CHEMICAL SOLUTIONS FOR CROP PESTSAgriculture’s tools for fighting pests and disease have been boosted by the latest AgVet Collaborative Forum, which brought together industry and agvet chemical registrant companies to identify key problems and solutions.

The two-day June forum was attended by about 60 people, including representatives from all the plant RDCs. Before the forum, each industry nominated issues resulting from gaps in control options. Registrant companies provided advice on treatments available for the 500 crop and pest issues listed and, where solutions did not exist, identified opportunities for development.

Registrants identified 90 potential new pest control solutions as well as potential projects for 315 label and 143 permit options. In addition, they detailed 24 solutions already in registration of which industry had been unaware.

The Commonwealth Government’s AgVet Access Grants are available to RDCs seeking to gain, maintain or broaden access to agvet chemicals identified by the collaborative forum. Project coordinator Rohan Rainbow said the key to the program was gathering industry, the RDCs and chemical registrants together in one room.

“We have been able to identify technical solutions to pest issues where we previously had no known solution,” he said. “The result has been a stepping-up of dialogue between the industry and registrants in addressing market failure gaps for industry needs.”

MORE INFORMATION www.rirdc.gov.au/agvet

Agvet

Kirsty McKeeKirsty McKee has recently been appointed Executive Support Officer at RIRDC.

Kirsty brings a strong support and administration background to the role, having previously worked in executive support roles within the media industry.

Wagga Wagga born and bred, Kirsty is excited to contribute to the innovative work that RIRDC does and looks forward to making a difference to rural industries.

Alison HetheringtonAlison Hetherington has been appointed Manager, Business and Finance, of RIRDC. Alison took up the role at the beginning of September in our new Wagga Wagga offices at Charles Sturt University.

Alison has broad industry experience from public practice, financial services, mining and oil and gas. After 20 years away, she has returned to Wagga Wagga to be closer to her family. Alison is looking forward to the opportunity of working in RIRDC with the diversity of work and fantastic opportunities.

NEW STAFFNEW PUBLICATIONS View at www.rirdc.gov.au

Rice Program Rice Program Five Year RD&E Plan 2016/17 to 2021/22This Five Year Plan has been developed by RIRDC and industry stakeholders to outline the Rice Program’s research, development and extension (RD&E) goal and objectives until 2021–22.

Food security and healthFood Security and Health in Rural and Remote AustraliaDescribes and analyses the prevalence of food insecurity in Australia and the consequent adverse implications for health and productivity. Project summary also available.

Transformative technologyEight factsheets and infographics on new and emerging transformative technologies in Australian agriculture. Includes synthetic biology, robots, artificial intelligence, gene editing, 3D printing, the internet of things, sensors and nanotechnology.

Workplace health and safetyWork Health and Safety Planning Good health and safety is a great investment. Developing a basic work health and safety plan can be a simple process, and this document provides some tips on what you need to think about and write down.

Myrtle rustMyrtle Rust Screening in Lemon Myrtle Provenance PlantingsThis research indicates the entire genetic base of lemon myrtle is susceptible to myrtle rust, but there are opportunities for the industry to select and plant cultivars that have greater tolerance.

Cross-industry innovationCross-Industry Innovation Scan This research contributes to the early detection and improved understanding of innovations with the potential to modernise and transform Australian rural industries.Project summary also available.

Q&A

Who are you?Ecology research scientist Dr Saul Cunningham.

Where are you?Canberra, as Director (from January 2017) at the ANU’s Fenner School of Environment and Society.

What is your research?I’m interested in the biodiversity on farms that helps production, especially through crop pollination. I am looking at the impact of pollination on crops and the practices that improve it.

Crops are pollinated by a diverse community of mostly unmanaged, wild insects. People automatically think I work with honey bees and I do, but there are also 3000 species of native bee in Australia that play an important role in pollination and crop yields — as do other pollinators like hoverflies and beetles.

What is it about your research that gets you out of bed in the morning?The nerdy introverted scientist element is that I get really excited when I’ve got a new set of data and sit down to see if it’s going to tell us something new and interesting. The extroverted part is the science I do in the field with my team, where we meet a wide range of people with different experiences in land and farm management. That’s really fascinating.

How will your research change farming/rural industries for the better within five years?One thing we’re discovering is that crop pollination plays a bigger role than we had appreciated in supporting the yield of many different crops. Even for self-pollinating crops, additional insect pollination takes yields to the next level.

These findings create a new avenue for increasing yields, which is what most farmers are chasing. Name an innovation that is needed to grow our rural industries in the future. A really smart spatial land-use planning tool. The current tools focus on cropping and grazing, but how you manage the other vegetation can make a big difference to your productivity.

EnquiriesT: 02 6923 6900E: [email protected]: www. rirdc.gov.au

c/o Charles Sturt University Locked Bag 588 Wagga Wagga NSW 2678

Photo: Supplied by Saul Cunningham

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