For Griffith-based graduate agronomist Sarah Rapley, a career in agronomy started with a school work experience placement.
"I've always wanted to be a stock and station agent, but my dad suggested I do a week of something different just in case I didn't like it," Sarah said.
"I chose to do a week with an agronomist in Wellington and I loved every minute of it. I've wanted to be an agronomist ever since."
Today, Sarah is building that career through the Elders Graduate Agronomy Program, gaining hands-on experience and learning from some of the industry's most experienced agronomists.
Sarah said Elders' reputation and industry presence made it a natural choice when she was considering graduate opportunities.
"Elders as a business has one of the most respected names in the industry, and I wanted to be a part of a team that people recognise anywhere you go," she said.
"The pink shirt team is definitely one that people recognise all over the country."
The Elders Graduate Agronomy Program is designed to help develop the next generation of agronomists through practical experience, mentoring, networking opportunities and exposure to different parts of the agricultural industry. For Sarah, it has provided opportunities to learn both on farm and beyond the branch network.
This year alone, she attended the Elders National Broadacre Forum in Adelaide and the Australian Cotton Conference on the Gold Coast.
"Both of these experiences were amazing opportunities to network with people within Elders but also the wider connected businesses," Sarah said.
"I learnt so much through both of these events, not only about myself but also about how amazing the agricultural industry is as a whole."
Sarah's transition into a full-time agronomy role was made easier by her previous experience with Elders. While completing her university studies, she worked in the retail sales team, building product knowledge and industry experience that continues to support her today.
"Having a background in retail product sales gave me a high level of product knowledge, which is extremely helpful starting in a new agronomy role," she said.
"Coming from the sales side of the business into agronomy, it's been really fulfilling to speak with clients, let them know about my role change and then use that to see what they need in an agronomic sense.
"It's been great to have clients trust me enough to come on farm and supply recommendations based on what I see."
Sarah credits much of her development and growing confidence to the support of the Griffith team, which has helped create an environment where learning is encouraged and opportunities are readily available.
"The whole Griffith team has been extremely supportive since I moved into the agronomy role," she said.
"The agronomy team, both horticulture and broadacre, are always willing to take me with them on farm and answer any questions that I have."
She also highlights the role of her mentor, Meg Brown, in helping broaden her experience and industry network.
"Meg is always advocating for me to attend different events to expand my network and build my connections in the industry, which in turn is helping to build my confidence," Sarah said.
Looking back on her experience so far, Sarah describes the Graduate Agronomy Program as both rewarding and career-shaping.
"My experience at Elders so far has been extremely rewarding," she said.
"Gaining new connections within the business, building relationships with new and existing clients and being part of a reliable team have all been really fulfilling experiences."