Unearthed: The people changing Australian agriculture

While some farmers may feel like agriculture has been under attack for many years, new research shows continuing high levels of trust in both farmers and agricultural industries by the general public. However, as Courtney Bailey of Voconiq reveals, there is a range of issues requiring proactive communication by levied and emerging industries in order to retain this high level of trust. The good news is that every individual can play their part.

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.