agrifutures australia

Jay is a role model for mature-aged students looking to branch into agriculture as a new career opportunity. She is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Science, Animal Science/Animal Health at Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia.

With initial interest in becoming a vet, Jay realised there were so many other options in agriculture that she hadn't explored. While her passion still lies in livestock, she has broadened her experience during her studies by participating in a six-week scholarship in Indonesia.

This is Jay's story.

Featuring:

• Jay Elliot, 2023 Agricultural Student of the Year and Animal Science/Animal Health Student at Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia

It's estimated that Australian agriculture produces 9.8 million tonnes of pre-farm gate waste annually. AgriFutures Australia have been working with industry to help address this.

In this episode we introduce the newly published report called 'Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry National Waste and Resource Recovery Roadmap'. We have the author of the report join us to explain just how waste is generated on farm, and how we need to deal with it.

Featuring: 

• Dr Anne-Maree Boland, Principal, RMCG 

In this episode, we'll hear how two AgriFutures Horizon Scholars literally expanded their horizons. Mitchell Salan and Stephanie Hennings have just been on a tour in Ireland in partnership with their Scholarship sponsor Dairy Australia. We hear about their learnings and experience of the European dairy industry and the new technologies the country has embraced. 

Applications for the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship close on 12 January 2024. For more information, visit the AgriFutures Australia agricultural scholarship opportunities webpage. 

Featuring:

• Mitchell Salan, 2022 AgriFutures Horizon Scholar
• Stephanie Hennings, 2021 AgriFutures Horizon Scholar

An unconventional program run by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and supported by AgriFutures Australia, Fast Track helps young people with limited experience take their first steps into the world of thoroughbred breeding. Participants emerge with relevant agriculture skill development, respected credentials, invaluable experiences and industry connections.

Fast Track's impact extends beyond the equine realm - it stands as a model for creating efficient, accelerated learning pathways nationwide. The program is bridging industry gaps while fostering leadership skills in the next generation of thoroughbred breeding professionals, drawing interest from various industries eager to replicate its success. 

Featuring:

• Cecelia O'Gorman, Marketing and Communications Manager, Thoroughbred Breeders Australia
• James Loder, 2022 Fast Track Graduate
• Tess O'Connor, 2020 Fast Track Graduate

To meet the objective of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming by 2 °C, it is clear that at-scale carbon removal will need to emerge in the decades ahead.

Scaled offshore marine permaculture to grow seaweeds is widely recognised as an emerging sector with large potential to meet a range of agricultural sustainability objectives.

In this podcast, AgriFutures On Air podcast host Jayne Cuddihy speaks with Dr Brian von Herzen,  Founder and Executive Director of the Climate Foundation about his  unique deep water approach to carbon faming in Australia.

As part of the AgriFutures  Carbon Initiative Program, this project investigated construction of a marine permaculture platform, seaweed growing, carbon
sequestration rate measurements and optimal conditions for carbon sinking.

With increasing ocean temperatures and a reduction in available nutrients, there were plenty of hurdles to overcome to develop this sustainable farming practice and successfully grow seaweeds from the tip of Tasmania through to the tropics.

Featuring:

• Dr Brian von Herzen,  Founder and Executive Director of the Climate Foundation 

As a single mum, money was tight. For Robyn Verrall, back then, food insecurity meant skipping a meal or spag bol for 10 nights in a row. The Keith-based beef and lamb producer is now helping tackle food insecurity, working in partnership with Kere to Country providing mentoring and logistics support to the group’s CEO, Jessica Wishart. 

Featuring:
2022 SA AgriFutures Rural Women's Award Winner Robyn Verrall

This week, Oli Madgett, grape grower and Founder of Platfarm, talks with Sarah Nolet from AgThentic about the future forces impacting agriculture, taking a longer look at how climate volatility will not only usher in migration of people, but also shifts in growing regions and methods for production.

While no one can predict the future, AgriFutures Australia, Agthentic Advisory, and the Institute for the Future have teamed up to release a report that explores what Australian food and fibre production and consumption might look like in a future shaped by the growing trends and potential disruptions that are already taking hold today. 

Learn more about the possibilities and our ten-year horizon for Australian agriculture here.