Unearthed: The people changing Australian agriculture

With women holding only 19% of board roles in agriculture and just 2% of CEO positions, Cressida Cains is taking up the challenge to improve the diversity of views being represented in leadership positions. Australian Women in Agriculture has developed the Women on Agricultural Boards project and it's quickly gaining momentum.

AgriFutures new Chair, Mick Veitch, brings an eclectic background to the role, from time in the shearing sheds, working on the railways, and even serving in the NSW Parliament. Mick shares his insights into the process of unifying an organisation through valuing the unique experiences of those within it, and the importance of giving back to our communities.

It hasn't been an easy journey for agriculture's 'PlayStation generation', but after deconstructing and reconstructing everyday technologies - from cardboard boxes to mobile phones - they are now applying AI and machine learning to transform Australia's grains industry. Cropify's Anna Falkiner and Elders Alex Greetham, who both featured at AgriFutures' evokeAg Conference, share their insights into how new technology is bringing greater objectivity to decision making while retaining the value of human experience.

Facing tight margins and increasing competition for land, farmers around the world are looking to non-traditional revenue streams that reward their role as environmental stewards. But navigating the complexities of soil carbon, biodiversity and nature repair markets is incredibly challenging. AgriFutures-sponsored Nuffield Scholar Sally Higgins has been investigating how farmers around the world have responded, while UNE researcher, Associate Professor Rhiannon Smith, has developed the Environer website to assist farmers find the right opportunities for their business.

Making the right moves for disease-free crops: As ginger growers prepare to plant their new crop in July, we speak with researcher QDPI's Dylan Corner about trials showing promise in the control of microscopic worms; hear from fourth generation ginger grower, Abby Templeton, about her plans to study tissue culture processes around the world, as part of her Nuffield Farming Scholarship; and we reminisce about the good old days with her grandfather John, who balanced the hard work on the farm with the grace and skill of ballroom dancing.