SALRC hosts young Ag professionals at Livestock 2022 Conference

SALRC was excited to host eight young Ag industry professionals at the Livestock 2022 Conference in Melbourne on 6-7 September 2022. With the main theme of the conference focused on the identification of future trends impacting our livestock industries, SALRC identified the importance of getting younger producers / researchers / extension personnel in the room to help shape conversations.

Attendance of these eight young Ag professionals at the Livestock 2022 Conference would not have been possible without the generous sponsorship from regional Ag businesses. Both SALRC and the regional scholarship recipients would like to extend their thanks to the regional scholarship sponsors: RIST (Rural Industries and Skills Training Centre), Rennylea Pastoral Company, T.A. Field Estates, AG Agronomics, Meridian Agriculture, Australian Wool Innovation and the South Australian Blueprint.

We were delighted with the valuable input from the scholarship recipients across the two days and asked each of them to share what they gained from attending the conference:

James Taylor, mixed enterprise farmer from North Central Vic: “I would like to thank the scholarship sponsors for supporting young growers and scientists to attend the SALRC Livestock 2022. As a young producer, it’s easy to get stuck at home working. The scholarship program points out that SALRC values our attendance at Livestock 2022. It was great for me to meet a range of people working in the red meat industry. The conference felt like it had direction and purpose, supported with very good expert speakers. I look forward to contributing to SALRC in the future.”

Katie Barnett, Assistant Manager of a mixed grazing operation in Kentucky NSW: “I would like to sincerely thank SALRC for supporting me in attending the Livestock 2022 Conference. It was an amazing opportunity. I made lifelong, valuable networks and was able to discuss and work through prominent, real future challenges facing the agriculture industry. The knowledge I gained is invaluable and will be taken on board in my future work and business endeavours. I feel privileged to have been able to attend.”

Sophie Stephens, Merchandise Manager with Nutrien Ag Solutions in Hay, NSW: “The SALRC conference was a great learning opportunity to discover new developments and innovations within the industry. It offered up to date information and discussion on real life situations and was a great way to network with industry professionals and other like-minded people. I would like to thank all involved for this opportunity.”

Tahnee Manton, an extension and advisory officer in livestock and farm planning with Northern Tablelands Local Land Services based in Glen Innes, Northern NSW: “The conference was absolutely fantastic, and I am so appreciative to have been given the opportunity to attend and be a part of it. Not only did it enable me to increase my knowledge, but it also challenged me to think about issues and challenges facing the livestock and agriculture industry at large. It was also great to get the chance to network with a diverse group of people from a range of different areas and in different roles across the livestock sector.  The opportunity the conference provided to continue my professional development was invaluable.”

Miranda McGufficke, family run commercial merino and seedstock enterprise near Cooma and currently studying Bachelor of Animal Science (majoring in Livestock Production) at UNE: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for being invited to attend the Southern Australia Research Livestock Council – future producer’s conference on an industry scholarship. It was an invaluable opportunity that I feel fortunate to have attended and be able to collaborate with industry professionals and progressive producers. Having access to keynote leaders and professionals will greatly progress my future studies and ambitions. As a young person I find it a great privilege to be involved and encouraged to participate in these progression conversations. I hope this opportunity continues for other young people.” 

Katherine Bain, Woolgrower from Stockyard Hill, Vic: “The Livestock 2022 conference was a great two days getting to meet a wide range of people from producers to researchers and analysts. I enjoyed the opportunity to think beyond the here and now and imagine what farming could look like in 15 years with all the advancements in technology and farming systems. All the speakers were amazing and I learnt a lot about the possibilities of where farming could go if we embraced the current emerging technologies. I particularly enjoyed hearing Ben Hayes and Paul Wood talk about the current science advancements around livestock and food as I don’t have much experience in this area and from what they said there is great potential for its on farm application. I would like to thank AWI for sponsoring me to come to this event. 

Charlie Wootton, Honors student – Adelaide University: “It was a great couple of days and there was some excellent discussion about the future of the livestock industry. It was fantastic to be able to meet and get to know some of the most engaged livestock producers and advisors in the country. The guest speakers were excellent. It is always good to hear perspectives of agriculture from those who are not directly involved in the production side of the industry. The speakers provided some interesting perspectives of how the livestock industry and wider society may change in the medium term future. Some of the things that were spoken about really opened my eyes to the opportunities that the livestock industry has over the 20 years or so.”

James Lines – Honors student – Adelaide University: “The SALRC Livestock 2022 conference was a unique and insightful opportunity to collaborate with professionals from all components of the livestock sector. I came away with a lot to reflect on in regards to the future innovations and trends that are projected to shape the industry throughout my working career. To be in the room with innovative researchers, producers, and extension personnel was a privilege and I look forward to further developing the networks I established, and think more about the medium-long term challenges and opportunities facing the livestock sector”.

SALRC Chair, Ian Rogan said that “the contribution from the scholarship awardees was very valuable. They were an impressive group and show that the future of the industries will be in good hands”.