Searching for the Future of Vic's Grains Industry

The search is one for five graduates who are passionate about the Victorian grains industry to join an 18-month Agronomist Development Program (ADP) from February next year.

Run by Agriculture Victoria and the Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC), the program will see three graduates complete an intensive 18-month placement with leading grower groups and agri-businesses.

Topics such as seasonal risk management, nutrition and pathology, trial development and management, pest, weed and disease identification and crop protection will be covered; as well as developing communication packages to support research adoption in Hamilton, Bendigo and Mildura.

The remaining two graduates will specialise in pulse agronomy and precision agriculture in the Mallee region.

GRDC Senior Regional Manager South, Craig Ruchs said the program aimed to accelerate the development of new grains sector agronomists with a focus on building industry capacity in the area of applied grains research.

“It provides a fantastic opportunity for graduates to establish broad cross-industry networks; develop a diverse skill base; and to attract talent from the broader community,” he said.

Past graduate Jack Edwards said he gained specific grains experience and contacts that were not available at university.

Program Leader, Dr James Nuttall confirmed the program had been well received by industry, with previous ADP recipients recruited to a range of grains related organisations.

The ADP sits under the broader Regional Research Agronomist (RRA) program designed to support translation of national research to the grains industry and capability development across southern Australia.

Graduates interested in applying for the Agronomist Development Program in grains can contact HOBAN on 1300 859 551 or apply online.