AgriFutures On Air

Could Australia’s greatest untapped resource be its own backyard?  In this episode, Matthew Peacock, Head of Agribusiness and Sustainability at Densu PR speaks to Jayne Knight, Senior Manager Rural Futures - AgriFutures Australia, Adrian Spencer, CEO at Sampano and Dr. Louise Brown, CEO and Founder of HydGene Renewables as they unveil the untapped potential of regional manufacturing in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry.Together, they explore the incredible opportunities in pulse processing, algae innovation, biomass transformation, green ammonia, and biofuels. Discover how Australia’s 12,000 species of algae could fuel local industries, and learn how green hydrogen from biomass waste is paving the way for sustainable ammonia production.Listen as our guests discuss the critical role of research, technology adoption, and workforce development in driving rural resilience and transforming regional economies.Tune in to hear how regional manufacturing can reshape our industries and secure a brighter, greener future!Further ResourcesManufacturing agriculture’s future: Opportunities and challenges in developing regional manufacturing for the Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectorIn this report, we undertake the crucial task of identifying the on-farm inputs and outputs best suited for regional manufacturing, recognising the potential for substantial impact and the economic, social and environmental impacts on regional communities, accompanied by a high-level supply chain analysis.

In this episode, we explore a pivotal research project that examines the current capacity and future needs of agricultural extension practitioners in Australia.Hosted by a panel of experts—John James, Jeff Coutts, and Denise Bewsell—this episode shares valuable insights into the critical role of extension in supporting farmers and driving innovation.Listen to the John, Jeff and Denise discuss the definition and importance of agricultural extension, challenges like fragmentation and resource scarcity and research insights from surveys, interviews, and Bayesian modelling.This episode highlights the need for a strategic and long-term approach to strengthen Australia's agricultural extension system to enable adoption on farm, in production systems and across communities.Further ResourcesAustralian extension capacity and capability A map and a gap analysis Undertaken in partnership with the broader RDC network, this report surveyed 400 current extension people, mapping their capacity (time and resources) alongside their capability (skills, expertise and knowledge).This work aims to ensure there is adequate extension capacity and capability available to support Australian agriculture into the future.

"We need more people, especially from emerging industries, to attend courses like this, to reshape their view, not just change their view, reshape it towards the right direction."Dr. Omid Ansari, the founder and CEO of HempGen Tech, recently completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) course as part of his commitment to growing the Australian hemp industry. In this episode, Dr. Ansari shares how the course equipped him with the tools to lead his startup company through its critical early stages.He explains that as a CEO in an emerging industry, he recognised the need for a deeper understanding of corporate governance, strategic decision-making, and risk management. The AICD course provided him with a systematic approach to building a solid foundation for his business based on best practices.Dr. Ansari highlights key takeaways from the course, including establishing clear governance structures, making informed financial decisions, and developing strategic planning skills. He emphasises how these learnings have not only benefited his own company, but also enabled him to become a more effective leader and role model for the fragmented hemp industry.By completing this course, Dr. Ansari has gained the confidence and expertise to guide his startup through the challenges of an evolving market. His insights underscore the value of formal training for industry leaders looking to drive innovation and growth.Further ResourcesWant to gain the skills to drive innovation and growth in your industry? Apply now for one of the 2025 AgriFutures Learning and Development Opportunities for the chance to secure an AgriFutures-sponsored position in up to nine nationally renowned programs including the AICD (applications close Wednesday, 8 January 2025).

In this episode, hear from two inspiring young people, Tess Cook and Ben Peden, who both participated in the 2023 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship Program.Tess comes from a cattle and cropping property in central Queensland and is now studying veterinary science, while Ben grew up in Sydney with no agricultural background before discovering a passion for the sector through high school and university.Both Tess and Ben share how the Horizon Scholarship has been transformative for them, opening their eyes to the incredible diversity of the agricultural sector and providing invaluable networking, professional development and personal growth opportunities.Listen to them discuss their experience taking part in the Program including overcoming imposter syndrome, getting comfortable being uncomfortable, and finding their voice to share bold ideas.The program has helped them build confidence, expand their perspectives, and discover new pathways they never would have considered before.Further ResourcesWant to gain the skills to drive innovation and growth in your industry? Apply now for one of the 2025 AgriFutures Learning and Development Opportunities for the chance to secure an AgriFutures-sponsored position in up to nine nationally renowned programs including the Horizon Scholarships (applications close Friday, 15 January 2025).