#Strongwomen. "I write about the power of trying, because I want to be okay with failing. I write about generosity because I battle selfishness. I write about joy because I know sorrow. I write about faith because I almost lost mine, and I know what it is to be broken and in need of redemption. I write about gratitude because I am thankful – for all of it." Kristin Armstrong
In the rolling hills of Cowra, New South Wales, a new chapter unfolds in the storied legacy of the Chittick family’s dairy farming tradition. Known for their deep roots in dairy farming and cattle breeding, the Chittick family has acquired one of the most impressive dairy farms in Australia, Colin and Erina Thompson’s Silvermere Holsteins. This acquisition not only marks a significant expansion in their agricultural endeavors but also symbolises a commitment to excellence and innovation in the dairy industry.
Silvermere Holsteins, renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and dairy cows, represents the pinnacle of modern dairy farming. Check out their commitment to the 360 degrees business model
With the Thompson family’s focus on sustainable practices and the highest standards of animal welfare, the Silvermere farm is a testament to dedication to quality and deep respect for the land and livestock.
At Silvermere, the Chittick family aims to continue their tradition of family farming, excellence in dairy production, building on their legacy of success and community involvement.
As the Chittick family embarks on this new venture, they carry with them a rich history of agricultural achievement and a vision for the future that promises to elevate the standards of dairy farming in Australia and beyond.
After growing up in Cowra and moving back to the South Coast I know Cowra has its charms but I am confident the Chittick family are going to miss this view
Photo by Ken Duncan of Chittick family Alne Bank farm at Gerringong in 2005
The source of my blogs is “The Chittick Family History”, as chronicled by Mr. J.H. (Jack) Chittick and Ms. Betty Chittick. It can be found in the National Library of Australia, and it is an enduring testament to a family’s journey through hardship to prosperity. I have done my best to blog it in a similar language to how it was documented in this book.
Vale Colin Thompson – an Australian Dairy Industry Legend
The founder of Silvermere Holsteins, Colin Thompson passed away at the age of 63 on June 21st 2024. Read about this dairy industry trailblazer here and here
To do this I have chosen to walk the talk and ask a messaging expert to share their wisdom using Chris Fenning’s GPS Model and the work of Joel Schwartzberg “Get to the Point!: Sharpen Your Message and Make Your Words Matter”
This is what the expert said
Goal: To enhance the agricultural sector’s communication strategies and public perception, aligning them with contemporary consumer needs and preferences.
Problem: The agricultural industry, while innovative in many aspects, faces several challenges in its approach to communication and public engagement:
Economic Focus: Farmers prioritise investments that offer immediate financial returns, often overlooking long-term communication strategies.
Hedonistic Values: The demanding nature of farming attracts individuals with self-focused attitudes, potentially limiting broader consumer engagement.
Limited Exposure: Many farmers have exclusive exposure to agriculture, lacking diverse experiences such as in retail, which can broaden understanding of consumer diversity.
Negative Reinforcement: Communication often begins with addressing misconceptions, inadvertently reinforcing negative stereotypes.
Expert Resistance: There’s a tendency to challenge rather than listen to experts, especially in areas like messaging and marketing.
Emotional Disconnect: The focus is more on factual communication, ignoring the emotional aspects that drive consumer behaviour.
Consumer Detachment: There is a lack of investment in understanding and aligning with consumer and customer preferences.
Solution: To address these issues, a multifaceted approach is needed:
Economic Incentives for Communication: Develop programs that demonstrate the economic benefits of effective consumer engagement and communication.
Diversity and Empathy Training: Introduce programs that help farmers appreciate consumer diversity and foster empathy.
Exposure to Different Perspectives: Encourage cross-industry learning experiences, such as exchange programs with sectors like retail.
Positive Communication Training: Train farmers and industry leaders in positive messaging techniques that focus on strengths without reinforcing negatives.
Respect for Expertise: Foster a culture that values external expertise, especially in communication and marketing.
Emotionally Intelligent Messaging: Develop strategies that blend factual information with emotional appeal, recognising the importance of consumer feelings and values.
Consumer Insight Research: Invest in research to understand consumer trends, preferences, and perceptions, and adapt strategies accordingly.
By adopting these strategies, the agricultural sector can bridge its knowledge gaps, especially in communication, and reposition itself more favourably in the eyes of the public. This shift towards a more informed, adaptable, and open approach can pave the way for a sustainable future in agriculture, resonating with the values and needs of modern consumers, including the influential Gen Z demographic.
Who is the first messenger ……
In the face of current and evolving challenges for agriculture the role of messaging experts cannot be overstated. These professionals are pivotal in bridging the gap between advancements in fields like agriculture and the perceptions held by the broader public. It is imperative that these experts not only excel in communication but also possess a deep understanding of their audience’s values, concerns, and expectations.
Selecting the right messaging experts—those who truly grasp where their audience is at and can tailor their strategies accordingly—is crucial. They must be adept at navigating the nuanced landscapes of industries such as agriculture, where innovation must be communicated as both an ally to tradition and a herald of progress. The right experts will craft narratives that resonate, educate, and inspire action, ensuring that advancements are not met with resistance but with open arms and a willing spirit of collaboration.
AND EXCITINGLY AGRICULTURE HAS THIS EXPERTISE in Look East
In discussions about agriculture, there’s a tendency within the sector to inadvertently reinforce negative stereotypes. Often, we find ourselves in conversations that focus more on combating misperceptions rather than highlighting the substantial positive contributions of farming. This approach, while well-intentioned, can sometimes overshadow the crucial roles farmers play in ecological sustainability.
The narrative around agriculture needs a shift – a move towards only embracing and emphasising its significant benefits. This is not about ignoring the challenges; it’s about balancing the conversation.
According to Verywell Mind, negative bias can affect how we perceive information, often giving more weight to negative aspects. This psychological tendency can shape public perception of agriculture predominantly as a problem, rather than a potential solution to environmental issues. By consciously focusing on the positive aspects, we can counteract this bias and present a more balanced view of agriculture.
Embracing agriculture’s role in ecological sustainability means acknowledging its challenges while also championing its solutions. It’s about celebrating the strides made in sustainable farming, the innovative practices being adopted, and the positive impact these have on our environment.
It’s time to reposition agriculture from being seen predominantly as a problem to being recognised as a vital contributor to addressing climate change. This balanced perspective not only values the industry’s potential solutions but also uplifts the spirit and morale of those within the sector.
We CAN work together to reshape the narrative of agriculture and highlight its indispensable role in creating a sustainable future.
The agricultural sector prides itself on innovation, particularly when it directly benefits its traditional practices and enhances productivity. However, there seems to be a dichotomy when it comes to embracing broader innovations that might challenge the status quo.
For instance, the industry expresses apprehension towards cultured meat, plant-based milk, and meat alternatives, perceiving them as threats rather than potential collaborators or complementary sectors. This selective approach to innovation highlights a resistance to change that extends beyond its immediate benefits to the industry itself. 🥩🌱
It’s crucial for agriculture to not only innovate within its comfort zone but also to engage with and understand broader developments that are reshaping the global food landscape. This willingness to explore and adapt to external innovations can open new opportunities for growth and collaboration, ensuring the industry’s relevance and resilience in a rapidly changing world.
The world of agriculture, is deep rooted in both tradition and resilience. Whilst we pride ourselves on our capacity to innovate there is a conversation we don’t seem to be having. It’s about the industry’s awareness of its own knowledge gaps, particularly in the realm of communication and public perception. The concern here isn’t just about what the agricultural sector knows or doesn’t know; it’s about its willingness to seek out that knowledge and adapt.
Agriculture, as an industry, has a tendency to focus on its strengths: feeding nations, stewarding the land, and maintaining cultural heritage. However, this focus can sometimes create blind spots, particularly in how the industry communicates with and understands its consumers. The critical question arises: why is there a reluctance to engage with external messaging expertise?
In today’s world, how we convey our messages is as important as the message itself. Industries, including agriculture, must adapt to the evolving landscape of consumer engagement and preferences. There’s no shortage of experts in marketing and communication, yet their insights seem underutilised in agricultural circles.
Understanding what resonates with consumers, what drives their decisions, and how they perceive the agriculture sector is crucial. It’s not just about promoting the positives but also addressing misconceptions in a way that connects and resonates. Why then, does the sector not seem as invested in these aspects as it could be?
The path forward requires a shift – a willingness to acknowledge these blind spots and actively seek out knowledge and expertise. It’s about collaborating with communication professionals who can bridge the gap between farmers and consumers.
Embracing a New Direction 🌱
Agriculture is an industry of incredible potential and enduring value. But to fully realise this potential, it must open its doors to new knowledge and expertise, especially in the realm of messaging and consumer engagement. It’s time for agriculture to not just know more but to be willing to learn more.
Its time to embrace a culture of learning, adaptability, and openness, paving the way for a more connected, informed, and sustainable future in agriculture.
“The pursuit of authenticity is less exhausting than the chase after a borrowed identity”
I have spent over a decade doing leadership courses to become the person I wish I was. The best advice I ever got was you can only be the best version of yourself. In a business setting the ideal is to surround yourself with people who have the skills you don’t have
“True leadership isn’t about becoming someone you’re not; it’s about being the best version of yourself and complementing your own skills by surrounding yourself with a team that fills the gaps. Diversity in strengths makes an unbeatable force.”
Have you noticed in the fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape of the 21st century, the journey of leadership often becomes intertwined with the concept of personal change. I believe a shift in perspective is what today’s leaders truly need. Instead of striving to change who we are, let’s focus on building upon our inherent strengths? 🌟🚀
The traditional approach to leadership often emphasizes the need to ‘fix’ of ourselves. This leads to undue pressure and an unrealistic pursuit of an idealised leader archetype. Leveraging our strengths allows us to lead with authenticity and confidence. It encourages a diverse range of leadership styles, each bringing something valuable to the table. By focusing on what we do best, we can inspire, motivate, and effectively guide others. 🌟👥
When leaders operate from a place of authenticity, they not only achieve more but also create an environment of trust and openness. This approach fosters a more inclusive and supportive culture where everyone’s unique abilities are valued. 🙌💖
Its taken me a long time to realise focusing on building our strengths rather than changing who we are, is so much more rewarding
Remember, the best leader you can be is yourself, at your best. 🌍💪
After a two decades of dedication to a charity aimed at empowering young people, I’ve experienced a journey filled with highs and lows. While we achieved remarkable success in schools, our efforts in the agricultural sector didn’t yield the expected results. This mixed outcome has led me to a new chapter: joining a Community of Practice (CoP) aligned with our vision.
In schools, our project flourished, witnessing enthusiastic participation and significant impact. However, the agricultural sector presented unique challenges, teaching us that approaches successful in one area might not necessarily translate to another. This experience, though disheartening, provided invaluable lessons.
Seeking growth and alignment, I’ve decided to join a CoP, a platform where individuals with shared passions collaborate and learn.
Here are some principles of CoPs that resonate with our journey:
Shared Domain of Interest: Our CoP is united by a common goal of empowering young people and enhancing community engagement.
Community Engagement: Active participation and collaboration within the CoP will be crucial for shared learning and growth.
Collective Learning: Leveraging diverse experiences and insights within the CoP, we aim to enhance our knowledge and practices collectively.
Practice Development: Through activities like problem-solving and knowledge mapping, we will refine our approaches to better suit different sectors.
Value Creation: The CoP focuses on creating tangible value for its members, including knowledge enhancement and skill development.
Open Dialogues: Encouraging honest conversations about both successes and challenges will be key to our learning and development.
Respect for Diverse Perspectives: Embracing the varied experiences each member brings, enriching our collective understanding.
Evolutionary Growth: Being open to the CoP’s evolution as needs and interests change over time.
Facilitation and Leadership: Benefiting from both formal and emergent leadership within the CoP to guide our efforts.
Sustainability and Impact Measurement: Aiming for sustainable practices and measuring the impact of our collaborative efforts.
Joining the CoP will allow the charities involved to have a united voice, which is crucial in advocating for our shared goals and vision. This unity will enable us to amplify our message and have a greater impact on policy and practice.
The CoP will serve as a resource hub, providing a one-stop-shop for schools to access diverse resources. This consolidation of resources ensures that schools have easy and efficient access to the tools and information they need, enhancing the effectiveness of their initiatives. Additionally, by sharing resources, the charities involved in the CoP can share administrative costs. This shared approach will lead to more time, energy, and funding being available for the actual delivery of services, enhancing the efficiency and impact of our work.
Joining this CoP marks a new beginning in my journey. It’s an opportunity to build on past experiences, both the successes and challenges, and to move forward with a community that shares a similar vision. This collaborative and dynamic environment promises growth, learning, and the potential to make a more significant impact in the areas we serve.
This step represents not just a continuation of my commitment but also an evolution, adapting and learning in ways that a singular approach could not offer. Here’s to new beginnings, shared learning, and making a difference together.
I have long been aware that I am not the right person to pitch for funding for a charity. A recent incident in Elizabeth St in the Sydney CBD was a light bulb moment and an opportunity to identify the right person for the role
Photo source – Deposit Photos
Background
Lynne walking in Sydney’s CBD, notices a young man with an open backpack containing pieces of wood, posing a safety risk. Initially surprised, she becomes concerned but hesitates to intervene as the man is on the phone. At a traffic light, two other young men alert the backpack owner to the danger. The man, still on the phone, asks them to zip up his backpack and crosses the street, seemingly unconcerned. This scenario highlights different reactions and value systems among the individuals involved.
What happened next.
I consulted an ethics specialist to analyse the responses of the three individuals in the incident using Schwartz’s values. The expert then crafted a brief for a story, which I’ll use to create a talk. This talk will focus on understanding personal strengths and selecting the right person for a given role, leveraging insights from the value mapping exercise.
Here is the result.
In this story, Lynne’s initial reaction of surprise, quickly shifting to concern for safety, suggests she is observant and possesses a strong sense of responsibility. Her hesitation to intervene might indicate a respect for social boundaries or an aversion to confrontation, especially when the young man is on the phone.
The two young men who spoke up display assertiveness and a direct approach to problem-solving. They didn’t hesitate to interrupt and address a potential safety issue, showing a proactive and possibly more extroverted nature.
As for the young man with the backpack, his continued phone conversation and reliance on others to fix the problem could indicate a level of detachment or lack of awareness about his surroundings. His reaction might also suggest a more laid-back or unconcerned attitude towards potential risks.
Aligning the attitudes in the story with Schwartz’s values:
Lynne: Her initial curiosity and subsequent concern for safety align with the values of ‘Benevolence’ (concern for the welfare of others) and ‘Security’ (safety and stability of society). Her hesitation to intervene might indicate a lean towards ‘Conformity’, valuing social order and avoiding upsetting others.
The Two Young Men: Their assertive action reflects ‘Self-Direction’ (independent thought and action) and ‘Universalism’ (understanding and protection for the welfare of all). They display a willingness to break social norms for the greater good, indicating less emphasis on ‘Conformity’.
The Man with the Backpack: His detached response and reliance on others suggest less concern for ‘Conformity’ and ‘Security’. His casual attitude might align with ‘Hedonism’ (pleasure or gratification for oneself), focusing on his phone conversation rather than the immediate social situation.
Lynne’s strong focus on the greater good, aligned with benevolence and universalism in Schwartz’s values, may inadvertently limit her ability to effectively pitch her ideas. This is because her approach might overlook the individual or organisational interests of her audience. In a pitch, it’s often crucial to address ‘what’s in it for them’ – aligning with values like achievement or power, which focus on personal or organisational benefits and successes. Understanding and appealing to these varied value systems can make her pitches more persuasive and resonant with diverse audiences.
So armed with this knowledge I then asked the values expert to identify the ideal person for effective pitching
This is their answer:
Self-Direction: Independence in thought and action, crucial for innovative and creative pitch ideas.
Achievement: Seeking success and demonstrating competence, important for convincingly presenting a pitch.
Power: Valuing social status, control, or dominance over people and resources, helpful in persuasive communication.
Universalism: Understanding, appreciation, and protection for the welfare of all, enabling a pitch that appeals to broader interests and values.
Stimulation: Seeking excitement, novelty, and challenges in life, essential for dynamic and engaging presentations.
These values contribute to a person’s ability to effectively communicate, persuade, and connect with diverse audiences.
I have never been inside the academic tent and I was keen to see what the barriers are for researchers/academics. In my efforts to understand how the universities are currently evaluated I asked an expert to explain the system to me and what a ‘fit for purpose” system could look like to foster an open access mindset
I learnt that academics and researchers, particularly in Australia, often find themselves navigating a complex and demanding system that evaluates their performance across multiple metrics. While these metrics are designed to measure productivity and impact, they can inadvertently place undue pressure on researchers.
Smiling – To find an image for this post I asked my image repository to find an image that shows a “Professor at desk overwhelmed”. Every single picture of the professor was male and elderly.
This is what the expert shared with me to get an appreciation of the challenges we have, to move to an open access system and what needs to change.
“Australian researchers, like those in many other countries, are often evaluated based on a variety of metrics, and their ranking can be influenced by several factors. Here are some key aspects:
Publication Count: The number of research papers an academic writes is a significant factor. Generally, more publications can indicate higher productivity and a larger contribution to the field. However, quantity is not the only measure; the quality and impact of these publications are also crucial.
Citation Metrics: Researchers are often assessed by how often their work is cited by others. Metrics like H-index and i10-index are commonly used. The H-index measures both the productivity and citation impact of a researcher’s publications, while the i10-index counts the number of publications with at least ten citations.
Journal Quality: Where the research is published matters. Papers in high-impact journals are usually seen as more prestigious and can significantly enhance a researcher’s reputation.
Research Impact and Quality: Beyond citations, the actual impact and quality of research are important. This can be harder to quantify but includes factors like the relevance and applicability of the research, as well as its contribution to advancing the field.
Grants and Funding: Success in obtaining competitive research grants, especially from prominent funding bodies, is another measure of a researcher’s standing.
Awards and Recognitions: Awards from reputable organisations can also contribute to a researcher’s ranking.
Peer Review and Editorial Roles: Participation in peer review and editorial duties for journals can also reflect a researcher’s expertise and reputation in their field.
Collaboration and Networking: The extent and nature of a researcher’s collaborations, both nationally and internationally, can also influence their standing.
It’s important to note that while the number of research papers is a significant factor, it’s the combination of these elements that typically contributes to how Australian researchers are ranked. There’s a growing recognition in the academic community that quality, impact, and broader contributions to the field and society are as important, if not more so, than the sheer number of publications.
How the system is changing
Measuring the quality, impact, and broader contributions of academic research, beyond just the count of publications, is a complex task. Here are several methods and metrics that are increasingly being used to assess these aspects:
Altmetrics: This refers to alternative metrics that assess the impact of research in ways beyond traditional citation counts. Altmetrics include social media mentions, article views or downloads, media coverage, policy document references, and other web-based mentions. These metrics can provide a more immediate and diverse measure of the impact and reach of research.
Citation Analysis Beyond Counts: Instead of just counting citations, deeper analysis can be conducted. This includes looking at who is citing the work (to understand its influence across different fields), examining the context of citations, and understanding the longevity of the impact (how long a paper continues to be cited).
Qualitative Reviews: Peer reviews and expert evaluations can provide insights into the quality and significance of research. This can involve assessments by fellow academics, industry experts, or interdisciplinary panels.
Research Impact Narratives: Researchers are increasingly asked to provide narratives or case studies that describe the impact of their work on society, policy, the environment, or the economy. These narratives allow researchers to explain the significance of their work in a broader context.
Public Engagement and Communication: Evaluating how researchers engage with the public, policymakers, and other stakeholders can be an important measure of their broader contributions. This can include public lectures, policy briefs, blogs, or media appearances.
Grant and Award Recognition: Success in obtaining prestigious grants and awards can be a proxy for the quality and relevance of a researcher’s work, as these often involve rigorous peer review processes.
Patents and Commercialisation: For research with commercial applications, the number of patents filed or successful commercial products can be an indicator of impact.
Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Work: The ability to engage in interdisciplinary research and to collaborate effectively across different fields or with industry can also be a measure of a researcher’s broader contribution.
Teaching and Mentorship: The role of researchers in teaching and mentoring the next generation of scholars and practitioners can also be considered, reflecting their contribution to the academic community and society.
Post-Publication Peer Review and Discussion: Platforms that facilitate post-publication peer review and discussion, such as PubPeer or ResearchGate, can provide insights into the ongoing impact and relevance of research.
Incorporating these diverse metrics and methods helps provide a more holistic view of a researcher’s contributions. However, it’s crucial to use these measures thoughtfully, recognising the unique context of each research field and the individual career paths of researchers.”
In the world of agriculture, the balance between insider knowledge and independent action is delicate. While ‘inside the tent’, one gains an intimate understanding of the sector’s intricate challenges, from workforce issues to environmental impacts. This experience is crucial to appreciate the complexities that those within the industry face daily.
Yet, transformative change often stems from those who venture ‘outside the tent’. Independent actors can drive innovation without the constraints of traditional norms. However, this external viewpoint is enriched by an understanding of the internal challenges. It’s easy to criticise from the outside, but real change requires knowing the difficulties faced by those on the inside.
For the farming community, access to both perspectives is vital. By understanding the challenges from within and adopting innovative solutions from outside, the sector can address its self-imposed challenges and move towards a sustainable future.
In essence, a sustainable and productive agricultural future lies in appreciating the challenges from within, while seeking innovative solutions from outside.