One of the things that really saddens me is the dairy industry’s inability to move out of their silo, celebrate success and genuinely work towards building a ‘family’ mentality.
My role with the Young Farming Champion’s program so excites me as we have put a bomb under this silo mentality for youth
“I have found that being an Art4Ag YFC has helped my University this year. This was my first year at University and my first time out there and finding my feet. Taking on this role helped give me a lot of confidence and it has also broadened my own knowledge about my own industry. It is amazing how many things you take for granted until you have to tell someone about them! I was elected President of the Ag Club at Uni in the middle of the year and it is a role I thought I never would have had the confidence to take on. With the opportunities I have been given this year through Art4Ag, I have a new-found confidence to have a go at tackling anything.” Sammi Townsend 2012 YFC
One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing our program funding partners Australian Wool Innovation, Meat and Livestock Australia and Cotton Australia’s dedication to excel in this area of investing in youth, cross industry collaboration and celebrating youth .
One of amazing benefits of being a Young Farming Champion is the industry insights and the cross industry networks they generate.
They are embraced by so many other Youth in Ag programs like YAPs, Horizon Scholarship, RAS of NSW Foundation, RAS Youth Group, ASC Youth Group, AgConnect and Women Influential. Twitter, Ask An Aussie and the Climate Champions program, Landcare Australia, the ARLP, Rex Airlines OutThere, NSW Farmers Young Farmer Council, Future Farmers Network and the Kondinin Group to name but a few. A special mention to Fairfax Journalist Carlene Dowie whose passion for Youth in Ag promotion know no bounds
It agriculture is to have a bright future in this country its young people are pivotal to the success and our focus must be on retaining the talent we have, investing in them and celebrating them
“I believe the future for Australian agriculture will be very bright. I am excited to be part of an innovative industry that is leading the world in technology and adapting it on a practical level. I’m very proud to say that Agriculture has been passed down over nine known generations and spans over three centuries just in my family. My hope is that this continues, and that the future generations can be just as proud as I am that they grow world-class food and fibre. I also hope by sharing my story I can inspire other young people to follow me into an agricultural career.” Stephanie Grills YFC 2012
“Growing up in Moree has shown me is how important it is to have young people in the industry with a fiery passion and a desire to educate those who aren’t fully aware of the valuable role our farmers play in feeding and clothing not only Australians but many other people around the world.” Tamsin Quirk YFC 2012
Wow how energising was it to build that list of partners. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart and if I have missed anybody send me an email. We are here to celebrate
