Young ag leaders: Meet some of the industry’s brightest minds
From running remote cattle stations to having a say in agricultural policy, these young leaders are the cornerstone for the future of Aussie ag.
If this list of young agricultural leaders is anything to go by, the future of Australian farming looks bright.
With several years of experience under their belts and brimming with enthusiasm for their industry, these bright minds are passionate about making a difference in Australian agriculture.
Whether it’s out in the paddocks, working the land, advocating for agricultural policy change at a government level, or spending time in a lab developing strategies to protect Australian food security, these young leaders and high achievers are making bold strides in their field, for the betterment of the agricultural industry.
SAMMY SPARK
As a young cattle vet, Sammy Spark has dedicated her practice to bettering cattle medicine.
Dr Spark is a 27-year-old veterinarian, who graduated from Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga.
In 2020, she moved to South Gippsland and is employed at the Gippsland Vet Group.
She works with a mix of animals – large and small – but her true passion lies in working with dairy cattle.
Aside from her veterinary work, Dr Spark loves being a part of the rural community.
She is also a rural ambassador and a member of the Victoria Rural Women’s Networking Program.
Sammy has restarted the small-scale farming course for hobby farmers in the area, which has proven to be a huge success.
Her dedication to learning and passing on her knowledge is a true testament to her commitment to the rural veterinary community.
JOSH MURRAY
His young, cherub face has greeted supermarket shoppers from his Josh’s Rainbow Eggs cartons since he was about nine years old. Now, the 22-year-old agricultural entrepreneur from Monegeetta, Victoria, has returned from a six-month stint in the US, studying at Arizona State University. His sights are firmly set on how to expand his egg business, one ethical step at a time.
“As a young Australian being part of the solution going forwards is exciting, and Josh’s (Rainbow Eggs) is part of that in a way that is very meaningful to me. We’ll be launching Australia’s first carbon neutral egg, as well as working with OzHarvest and Second Bite to create a line of eggs that provide these charities with a 50c donation per purchase,” Josh said.
Being a part of the next generation of agricultural leaders, Josh said, is an opportunity to work towards a better future, an achievement he is proud of.
“Personally, I’m looking forward to more companies, however reluctantly … accepting more corporate responsibility and starting to be more positive agents of change in the world.”
SOPHIE HULME
While this 26-year-old is based in Melbourne, that hasn’t stopped Sophie Hulme from dedicating her life and career to agriculture and the nation’s food security.
“It’s always been important to me to pursue a career in a field where I can make a positive impact to the lives of those around me,” Sophie said.
Working as the regulatory affairs manager for BASF Australia seeds and traits, Sophie’s work focuses on agrifood biotechnology.
“I was actually studying a pharmacology degree but decided to take a plant biotechnology and genetics elective subject. This subject opened my eyes to the importance of agriculture as well as biotechnology, and how innovative science can improve the lives of millions globally by increasing access to high-quality produce, leading to greater food security and safety.”
Sophie was also elected the Australian Seed Federation’s Science and Technology working group secretary, along with being asked to present at a recent National Farmers’ Federation leadership day.
“The most special thing to me about being the next generation in agriculture is working at the forefront of such an innovative industry that is far more open to science and technology than ever before,” Sophie said.
KATIE BARNETT
Having completed a double degree in agriculture and business four months ahead of schedule, this Young Farming Champion has also been awarded the title of Kempsy Show Young Woman of the Year.
Katie works as the assistant manager of Taylors Run, a regenerative mixed farming operation, and is looking to further build on her education by sitting on various agricultural committees, while also owning a share in a mob of crossbred ewes.
CAITLIN MCCONNEL
A sixth-generation grazier, Caitlin is chair of the Future Farmers Network, and a member of the National Farmers’ Federation’s inaugural young farmers’ council.
Her passion for agriculture can be traced to her work on her family beef operation in Toogoolawah in Queensland.
She is a senior associate at Clayton Utz, with a focus on agricultural legislation and policy, and in March last year she was also recognised as one of the top 16 agribusiness professionals under 40 in Australia.
Alongside her professional pursuits, Caitlin is an advocate for youth in agriculture and agribusiness, and mental health and wellness in the legal and agricultural sectors.
MITCHELL MCNAB
Orchard manager at Ardmona, Mitchell McNab has been managing his family orchard in the Goulburn Valley for more than 10 years, and was integral in transitioning the family business to a fresh market producer.
A member of the Agriculture Victoria Young Farmers Advisory Council, Mitchell was a Nuffield Scholar in 2016, and is the current chairman of Fruit Growers Victoria, along with being a member of the Goulburn Valley Emerging Leaders Program for Fruit Growers.
NICHOLAS BLANDFORD
Co-managing his family’s sheep farm in East Gippsland, Nicholas is a part of the Agriculture Victoria Young Farmers Advisory Council.
With a keen interest in climate change adaptation and mitigation, Nicholas has returned to the family farm after spending time in Canberra working in research for the CSIRO.
He is also involved in a number of local groups and networks, including the Bengworden Landcare Group, Farmers for Climate Action, and the East Gippsland Climate Action Network.
TOM SQUIRES
Growing up in Tasmania, this Young Farming Champion owned his first mob of sheep at the tender age of 16.
He then went on to complete a Bachelor of Agricultural Commerce in New Zealand, before gaining employment as a shearer.
He is dedicated to educating consumers about the entire wool supply chain, and for producers to have pride in their produce.
NICOLE SAUNDERS
Last year was a big year for young dairy farmer Nicole Saunders, who along with her husband Brendan, was named The Weekly Times Coles 2022 Farmer of the Year.
Making the move from sharefarming to farm ownership, the Maffra-based 29-year-old is looking towards the future, and further expansion of her business, including the upcoming launch of The Berry Dairy.
“Never could I have imagined we would have achieved all we did in 2022. So in 2023 I am excited to really get stuck into some capital farm development to allow for increased production and herd numbers in the 23-24 season,” Nicole said.
“You can never get relaxed or fall into a false sense of security, we have done a lot of hard work to build the business to where it is. However, to keep it where it is, we need to ensure all aspects of our operation are operating to their maximum potential to ensure a business that is resilient, profitable and sustainable in the long run.
“You can never stop learning and improving.”
HUGH DAWSON
This Northern Territory station manager has commenced the final year of his agribusiness degree at Marcus Oldham College, which also involves a study tour to the US.
“2023 looks pretty exciting so far,” Hugh said.
In March, he attended the Zanda McDonald Impact Summit, “I’ll be keeping up my involvement with the Young Livestock Exporters Network,” he said prior to the event.
Next year, Hugh will also be involved in the iconic Beef 2024 Rockhampton event as a Next Gen commitment member.
“I can’t see a ceiling on what can be achieved in agriculture moving forwards, I think that’s probably what excites me the most, and why I have looked to advocate for the industry wherever I can,” Hugh said.
“In my view, agriculture is better equipped right now than any other sector to tackle some of the most front-of-mind issues globally. The only catch is we physically need more people in the industry to realise some of the potential we have to effectively drive this change.”
KEILEY NOBLE
Based at Narromine, NSW, this 27-year-old is the recent recipient of the RM Williams Royal Agriculture Society’s Rural Achiever Award for her efforts in amplifying the cause of regional Australians.
She splits her time between her work as a Department of Regional NSW drought and economic strategy police officer and her family’s hay contracting business.
But it is Keiley’s passion for visible representation of regional people at the decision-making levels of government that drives her.
“I sought out a career in the policy space as I felt strongly that we needed more regional people in the positions that influence the policy-based decisions that, in turn, affect regional people and life in the regions,” Keiley said.
“It’s pretty special to play any kind of role in growing the food and fibres that feed and clothe the nation.”
BIANCA TARRANT
One of the founders of Our Cow — one of Australia’s first meat subscription services — Bianca Tarrant will be spending the rest of 2023 moving onwards and upwards in the agricultural industry.
With the acquisition of grocery service Voly, Bianca plans to extend the Our Cow product range, connecting more farmers and producers to the program.
“Agriculture is such an amazing industry and we love being part of it, we want to give the next generation of farmers a different and innovating avenue to sell their produce through,” Bianca said.
KATE WEBSTER
A Young Farming Champion, Kate Webster is a passionate advocate for educating the next generation about farming.
She completed an agricultural degree at Charles Sturt University, before writing a children’s book called What is Meat, aimed at connecting young people to agriculture.
She is also on the National Meat Industry Training and Advisory Council.
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