This year’s Elders graduate agronomists gathered in Tamworth last month, meeting with key suppliers and reflecting on their first six months in the program.
Elders 2024 graduate agronomy cohort with Adam Little, Elders Technical Services Manager.
Elders’ Graduate Agronomy Program is renowned for producing some of Australia’s best agronomists. A two-year, entry level program, participants are exposed to both horticulture and broadacre areas to expand knowledge of each, as well as gaining a broad understanding of Elders and the agricultural industry.
Liam Bastian, Graduate Agronomist based at Roseworthy, South Australia, highlighted the benefits of the program.
“The rotations allow us to travel across Australia, to work in diverse areas and with new clients on various crops beyond that in our local region,” he said.
“Gathering as a cohort during events like this study tour, allows us to collectively share our knowledge and experiences with our peers.
“These study tours provide us with insights into new products being developed and trial work by key suppliers, preparing us to make informed recommendations to clients once these products hit the market.”
Graduates are based in key cropping regions across Australia and are supported by seasoned staff to gain experience and exposure.
Grace McDonald, Graduate Agronomist based at Elders Miles, Queensland, values the support and mentorship she has received.
“Since stepping into the role, I have been blown away by the level of support I have received, particularly the phenomenal mentorship of senior agronomist Neal Stevenson,” she said.
“It’s critical as a young agronomist that we feel supported to apply and develop our skills.
“It is my professional support network who have given me the space and confidence to undertake my own trial work, which is something I am really proud and excited about.”
A defining factor of Elders’ Graduate Agronomy Program is its differing rotations, providing graduates like Grace an opportunity to build knowledge of different crop segments and regional areas. Grace already has her second rotation planned and is set for a smooth transition in the coming months.
“There is a lot of thought that goes into planning our rotations, from a national point of view, to ensure we go into a new area that we are interested in learning about and growing in,” she said.
“I think a big point of distinction is the support we are provided during each move as we progress through the program.”
Montana Tatchell, who is based at Young, New South Wales, reflects on the steep growth in her technical skillset since joining the program.
“I feel like I have come a really long way since I started my first rotation, now having a clear grasp on the needs of different crops and how that ties in with our products and merchandise,” she said.
“By conducting soil tests and creating nutritional plans early on, I am now better equipped to help growers enhance the nutrition of their crops while also considering cost and product availability.”
Montana knew early on that she wanted to gain specific experience and knowledge in livestock production and has been supported in this pursuit.
“I was always interested in undertaking livestock production advisor training, to gain comprehensive understanding of how agronomists advice comes full circle impacting livestock and the quality of feed,” she said.
“This training isn’t widely available; however, our Technical Services Manager Adam Little has been instrumental in advocating for me to carve out the career that I wish to pursue.”
Get to know some of our 2024 graduate agronomists:
