Leading by Example: Insights from the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program
“Leadership in Australian agriculture involves a blend of vision, the resilience, adaptability and commitment to sustainable practices”In the second episode of the AgriFutures Capacity Building mini-series, we hear from Dakshina Yadav, a passionate horticultural scientist from Nepal now working in the Northern Territory, who was selected to take part in the prestigious Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program. Dakshina specialises in the production of jackfruit, a tropical fruit that is widely used in Asia and is rapidly gaining popularity in Australia. After attending the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program, Dakshina's approach to her work has been revitalised and, in this episode, she shares how the course helped her develop key skills like vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and leading by example - all crucial for driving innovation in the Australian agriculture sector.While highlighting her leadership transformation, Dakshina also discusses the unique challenges and opportunities facing agricultural leaders in Australia today and stresses the importance of creating meaningful connections and networks formed through leadership programs like Marcus Oldham.The AgriFutures Leadership and Development Opportunities are now open. Tune into the mini-series to learn more about these fantastic opportunities on offer and apply at the link below to take your leadership skills to the next level.Learn more and apply: Learning and Development Opportunities and Resources | AgriFutures Australia
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24:32
The Power of Community in Leadership: Insights from Sarah Secker, Australian Institute of Company Directors Course Graduate
"I think leadership is about having those abilities to public speak and all that kind of stuff, but it's about bringing people together."Discover the inspiring journey of Sarah Secker, a remarkable leader in Australian agriculture. Sarah completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Foundations of Directorship course, a program designed for new and aspiring directors, senior executives, and managers wanting to gain a foundational knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of boards and directors.In the first of five episodes of the AgriFutures Capacity Building Program’s Learning and Development Opportunities mini-series, Sarah, a farming business manager in South Australia, discusses her journey from a corporate career in advertising to running a family farm and the need for leadership in community projects and the value of diverse perspectives. Sarah's participation in the AICD course has had a profound impact on her life and business and her story is a testament to resilience and innovation.The AgriFutures Leadership and Development Opportunities are now open. Tune into the mini-series to learn more about these fantastic opportunities on offer and apply at the link below to take your leadership skills to the next level.Learn more and apply: Learning and Development Opportunities and Resources | AgriFutures Australia
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Integrating Angoras with Merinos: A Conversation with Dr. Susan Robertson
Join the Fibre Frontier! In this episode, we join the AgriFutures Australia Goat Fibre Program Extension team, neXtgen Agri as they sit down with Dr. Susan Robertson, a senior lecturer at Charles Sturt University and passionate mohair producer, to get an insider's look at the world of Angora goats. Susan shares her journey of transitioning to farming Angora goats alongside Merino sheep, blending her academic expertise with hands-on experience.Discover the unique management considerations for Angora goats, from navigating shearing and fencing challenges to tackling health concerns like worm control and photosensitization. Susan offers invaluable insights into the physiological differences between sheep and goats, and how she's optimising her production system to maximise mohair quality and profitability. Hear Susan's perspective on the economics of mohair versus wool, and the importance of strategic marketing to capture the best prices. Whether you're a seasoned goat farmer or just starting to explore the mohair industry, this episode is a must listen.And don't forget to mark your calendars for the upcoming AgriFutures Goat Fibre Program field day Thursday, 14 November in Shepparton, Victoria. This free event is the perfect opportunity to connect with industry experts, network with fellow producers, and dive deeper into the latest advancements in the mohair and cashmere industries.
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From pharmacy to farm: Mary Nenke’s aquaculture revolution and rural advocacy
Mary Nenke's journey from aspiring pharmacist to renowned "yabby lady" is a captivating tale of serendipity, resilience, and a lifelong passion for agriculture. Growing up in the city, Mary never imagined she'd end up as a pioneering force in Australia's aquaculture industry, but a chance encounter through junior farmers changed the course of her life.When economic challenges hit in the 1990's, Mary and her husband pivoted from the family's sheep and grain business to yabby farming, turning a hobby into a thriving export operation. However, their success was tested by devastating setbacks that nearly wiped out their business. Through it all, Mary's unwavering advocacy and entrepreneurial spirit shone through.Recognised as one of the earliest AgriFutures Australia Rural Women's Award winners, Mary's visibility skyrocketed. She leveraged this platform to champion causes close to her heart - from sustainable agriculture to rural community development. Her Farming Champions initiative has connected city and country, amplifying agriculture's vital role.Today, Mary reflects on her extraordinary journey with gratitude and in this episode we'll hear what her motivation is, how the Rural Women's Award cemented her determination, and why her circle of influence continues to grow. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and the profound impact one passionate individual can have on an industry.
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Bold Moves & Breakthroughs: Nathan Cleasby’s Journey to Redclaw Success
Meet Nathan Cleasby, Aquaculturist who’s passion for both research and aquaculture is driving innovation and growth throughout the Redclaw crayfish industry.Nathan’s journey from Sydney to Townsville inspired him to pursue a master's degree in aquaculture, where he discovered a market gap for commercial seed stock and addressed this by developing a state-of-the-art hatchery that incorporates ozone and probiotics. Today, his 5.5-hectare farm supplies Redclaw from Sydney to Townsville.Nathan’s unique blend of strategic planning and bold risk-taking has not only launched a thriving business but also generated significant advancements within the industry, earning him the 2023 Science and Innovation Award.Join us as we explore Nathan's innovative approaches, the challenges he has overcome, and how his journey is shaping the future of sustainable aquaculture.
Australia