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. In addition, they gain a broad understanding of Elders and the agricultural industry.
Elders has welcomed 10 new graduate agronomists this year, who came together in Adelaide recently for a three-day induction program.
The group participated in a host of different activities to equip them in providing agronomic advice to growers right across Australia.
Graduate agronomist Grace McDonald, who commenced the program last year, said the graduate program is a valuable experience and a perfect way to become acquainted with the intricacies of agronomy and the industry as a whole.
“The last 12 months have been nothing short of exceptional,” Grace said.
“I’ve moved around the state, lived in towns I never would have passed through otherwise, and met so many new people.
"More importantly, I’ve been exposed to so many different cropping systems, scenarios, and landscapes.”
Leading this year’s intake, Early Careers Advisor Ella Anderson said the program has been successfully running for nine years, with more than 10 per cent of Elders' agronomy workforce today coming through the program.
“The Elders Early Careers Program offers a range of different learning experiences and the opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s best,”
“It is truly rewarding to watch each cohort of graduates make their way through the program, with an eagerness to learn and grow outside their comfort zones.”
Elders is a leading organisation for aspiring agronomists, providing exceptional opportunities to grow and succeed. A cutting-edge research and development program sets Elders apart as an industry leader, and with a network of trial sites across Australia, there is plenty of opportunity to be involved with projects at the forefront of the industry.
Livestock Trainee Program
In addition to fostering a new generation of agronomists, Elders is also preparing to welcome a new group of livestock trainees. The Elders Livestock Career Development Program furthers participants’ knowledge about livestock sales and marketing, and enables them to gain exposure to livestock production and different farming systems.
Both first and second year trainees will meet in Tamworth next month. First year trainees will participate in their induction to the program, meet key livestock leaders within Elders as well as join the second year trainees to undergo critical training for safe livestock handling practices. In preparation for transitioning off the program, specially designed skills workshops will be facilitated for the second year trainees to equip them for success in their new permanent roles beyond the program.
Ella said, “both the Graduate Agronomy Program and Livestock Trainee Program are great career pathways that set you up for success and launch your career in Australia’s most trusted agribusiness.”
Applications open soon for the 2026 intake of the Early Careers Program, for both budding agronomists and livestock trainees.
Header image: Front row, L to R: Zac Redden, Ella Manuel, Michael Galea, Chelsea Gordon.
Back row, L to R: Lou Collins, Jock Redden, Cameron Marcroft, Norton Staer, Rory Dunn.
Absent, Tom Munns.