P R O U D LY B R O U G H T TO Y O U B Y VA LV O L I N E
The
Volume II
Australian Farmer A Digital Publication and Knowledge Tool for the Forward-Thinking Farmer
Valvoline’s premium oils and lubricants are designed for the toughest Australian agricultural conditions The future forces shaping Australian Agriculture
Showcasing Australia’s irrigation innovation Valvoline product range: choosing the right fluid for your agricultural machinery A Farmer's Daughter - Travels from Paddock to Boardroom
Australia’s Farming Future
2
Valvoline’s premium oils and lubricants are designed for the toughest Australian agricultural conditions From local production to continuous R&D and dependable availability, Australian farmers have been relying on Valvoline™ for more than 150 years. As the original engine oil, Valvoline™ has been providing various industries, including the agricultural industry, with longstanding innovation. With the world’s first racing oil, first synthetic blend and first high mileage engine oil, the company has consistently shown its commitment to innovate and reinvent for the evolving automotive, commercial, agricultural, and industrial customer needs. With over 50 years of experience in servicing the Australian agricultural market, Valvoline continues to hit the mark with their heavy-duty engine oils, greases, hydraulic oils, tractor fluid, and coolants, helping to protect and keep agricultural equipment in Australia running optimally. These products are developed
to withstand the toughest conditions and demands faced on Australian farms. It is safe to say therefore, Valvoline’s oil and lubricant products partner for maximised performance and minimised downtime. “We understand the importance of high-quality lubricants to primary producers and their machinery. It is crucial that equipment runs efficiently, particularly when operating in isolated locations,” says Graham Hutton, director of the Commercial and Industrial division at Valvoline. “During the pandemic, we’ve learnt and confirmed many things about our own business and the industries that we serve. One of our main insights and hence priorities for the agricultural industry is that farming and agri-
AMERICA'S FIRST ENGINE OIL BRAND.
HE KNOWS
the australian farmer
cultural work simply can’t “do lockdowns” - lockdowns, downtime, and delays isn’t an option when soil needs to be properly cultivated and sown during optimal conditions and timing. That is why it remains Valvoline’s mission to make vehicle and equipment care as easy and efficient as possible for all of our customers. We do this by providing innovative solutions and efficient distribution that enable the customers that we serve to continue moving forward with their businesses.” Valvoline has been manufacturing lubricants in Sydney since 1964 and the range of agricultural products has been formulated to combat Australia’s uniquely harsh environment, delivering protection and performance for agricultural equipment. When deciding which gear and transmission lubricant to use, farmers usually give advantage to Universal Tractor Transmission Oils (UTTO), such as Valvoline Unitrac SAE 80W and FarmPlus Hydratrans, because these oils effectively lubricate hydraulic systems, the transmission, and wet brakes of tractors, combine harvesters, diggers, and other agricultural equipment. Unitrac SAE 80W has been tested in a range of tractor and earthmoving applications and was proven fit for purpose, with drain intervals extended by as much as 50 per cent across a variety of conditions. In addition, Valvoline developed FarmPlus Universal, a Super Tractor Oil Universal (STOU) which, besides being a tractor gear oil that lubricates the transmission, hydraulic systems, and wet brake systems, can be used as a tractor engine oil as well, and thus leading to product consolidation. The diesel tractor oil is adjusted to respond to different challenges, which makes it one of the favourites in the market. Valvoline has a proven track record in Australia that extends from production and research and development to dependable availability in rural areas, with close links
3
to the agricultural community. A total of 27 warehouses around the country, which includes 20 situated in regional areas, ensure a significant national and rural footprint, while the easy to use online ordering platform ‘Connect’ offers convenience and extensive product information. The platform is supported by a range of distributor partnerships in regional centres so farmers have ample opportunity to access the Valvoline product range. The company values strong long-term relationships with both distributors and resellers, who in turn have long-term relationships with highly valued local primary producers.
KEY BENEFITS Valvoline manufactures oils and lubricants in Australia specifically for Australian agricultural conditions. An extensive network of warehouses and distributors across regional Australia makes it easy for farmers to get the support their engines need. Easy online ordering platforms available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Company Website Info
Play Video
Email Company Download PDF Back to
4
The Future Forces Shaping Australian Agriculture While no one can predict the future, it is important to explore what Australian food and fibre production and consumption might look like in a future shaped by growing trends and potential disruptions that are starting to take hold today. By John Harvey Making forecasts about the future is not about predicting what is more likely to happen, it is about providing insights and stimulating conversations that expand the scope of our strategic thinking. When it comes to Australian agriculture, we look at the forces that may shape its functional health and related dynamics in order to consider the opportunities and risks that exist with the system and all along the value chain. The past decade has seen seismic shifts in how we produce, consume, and use food and fibre. For example, drones went from expensive playthings to commodity equipment, and crop genome sequencing went from high-cost research to an affordable service. E-commerce and social media marketing allow consumers to buy food online and have it delivered to their front door, often directly from the producer. The next 10 years will stretch our preconceived notions about the future and as the speed of change is increasing, so too does uncertainty and the diversity of opportunities. That is why it’s important to examine the plausible – yet sometimes provocative – possibilities that lie ahead. AgriFutures Australia, Agthentic Advisory and the Institute for the Future did exactly that in the 2021 report, Future Forces: A ten-year horizon for Australian agriculture, which offers a new perspective on the emerging agricultural and food landscape. FUTURE FORCES In the report, Agthentic Advisory and the Institute for the Future identified five social, environmental, economic and technological forces that are set to grow over the coming decade. While these forces are much bigger than the global food and fibre system, they nonetheless have already begun to shape
Australian agriculture. These forces are high-level and reach across categories. The report explored these underlying directions of change in order to better understand the operating environment of the future. • Viral disinformation in the food system – Food issues become increasingly susceptible to disinformation campaigns that use deepfakes, conversational artificial intelligence and accessible botnets that can manipulate online discussions. • Interconnected digital infrastructure – An interconnected system of digital capabilities unleashes new opportunities in agricultural supply chains. • New geographies of climate change – Movement of people, climate regions, and crops define an era of uncertainty. • Rewiring the grid – Distributed energy production is made possible by advancements in renewable and alternative technologies. • Domesticating the cell – New products, experiences, and concerns will arise from the ability to design biology. FORECASTS The report found emerging trends and innovations that, in combination with the above forces, give rise to seven forecasts for Australian agriculture. These forecasts include signals of change and are windows into how the future might look very different from today. 1. The war for the consumer relationship Many new stakeholders, including actors who have never before been in the agricultural system, will seek to influence and capture consumer interest as digitisation of every step of the food system increases. For
the australian farmer
example, physical retailers will race to add instore sensors and consumer behaviour models, digital platform players will leverage their head start in data analytics to disrupt traditional sales channels, and even processors and producers will build relationships with and seek out direct channels to consumers. 2. Regional redesign Driven by new energy systems and automation technologies, there will be a fundamental re-design of individual production systems and regions as everything from genetics to irrigation to layout of farm operations will be optimised for automation. 3. Outside solutions to climate problems New technologies such as advanced sensing, machine learning, and synthetic biology will help mitigate climate change volatility. 4. Divorcing flavour, nutrition, and form Synthetic biology technologies will allow for the design of food products untied from natural production systems, and commercial competition will drive development of new foods through cellular agriculture, molecular engineering, and 3D printing. For example, Australian start-up Vow is changing the concept of meat by building a library of cell lines and genetic traits to help redesign cultured meats. 5. Supporting full-spectrum producers Producers of the future will rely on a wide mix of income streams through broadly defined resource conversion: not only converting grass to meat or fibre, but also converting sunlight to solar power, soil to carbon sequestration services, or data collection to useful models. 6. The searchable food web Measurement and tracking tools, in combination with molecular tags and the internet of things (IoT), will allow for individual food products to be tracked and traced, increasing the importance of managing trust in food systems. 7. Biology goes digital Genetic therapies and gene editing tools such as CRISPR (a set of DNA sequences that allow for relatively easy gene editing) will become democratised through commercially available
5
products, and biological manipulation will be possible for new organisations and producers. PREPARING FOR, NOT PREDICTING, THE FUTURE As the next few years unfold, the future forces and forecasts described above won’t stand still. Part of what the report revealed is that forecasts will also evolve and change. Some will follow a predictable trajectory; others will bend on a different path. And, of course, unexpected and unpredictable black-swan events will potentially change everything. The report reminds us that the future is something over which we have agency and that the purpose of looking to the horizon is not to strictly predict, but to prepare for what is to come – whether that is expected or surprising. Monitoring the drivers and signals of change makes it possible for Australian agriculture to both maintain and update its model of the future, as well as direct preparations in the present. While we don’t know exactly what shape the future will take, thanks to the Future Forces: A ten-year horizon for Australian agriculture report, what we do know is that: • Future developments will involve new combinations of known and unknown principles and practices, across domains and supply chains, and give rise to new competitive forces. • Tomorrow’s agricultural producers may be categorically different than today’s as new technologies and systems shape their roles. • The future will require new methods of support, education and training in order to make sure people thrive. • There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach as solutions to future challenges will need to be both local and global. • The future will favour collaboration over competition in order to solve complex problems. John Harvey is the Managing Director of AgriFutures Australia, an organisation committed to growing the long-term prosperity of Australian rural industries.
Company Info
Email Company Download PDF Back to
6
Showcasing Australia’s irrigation innovation Written by Anne Currey on behalf of Irrigation Australia Limited
Irrigation Australia is the peak national organisation representing the Australian irrigation industry in all sectors from water users, consultants, designers and installers through to educational institutions, government, manufacturers and retailers. Irrigation Australia is also the Australian representative body of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID). Anne Currey discusses some of the latest advancements in irrigation innovation helping farmers around the country as well as the ICID congress being being held in Adelaide in October 2022. We all have heard many times that Australia is the driest inhabited continent. It is less likely, however, that many people would be aware of how this has driven water policy in the last 30 years and how our 21,000+ irrigators have responded to the challenges of using this precious resource more efficiently. With a history of policy implementation to provide a financial incentive for efficient water use, backed by regulatory requirements to do with environmental and social outcomes, and an irrigation sector willing to take on new challenges, Australia is regarded in many forums as a global leader in water governance and water use efficiency. INNOVATION THE KEY Some of the major ways of maintaining this record and continuing to improve technology and practices to produce “more
crop per drop” into the future in the agricultural sector will be through better trained irrigation managers and the adoption of best practices and of innovative technologies using the Internet of Things (IoT) and digital applications. Improving water use efficiency is still a priority for irrigators. Climate change adds complexity to the challenge of improving water use efficiency. In many irrigation areas, run-off into rivers is predicted to decrease and we are already seeing great variability in terms of rainfall and weather patterns. Forward thinking irrigation managers have examined their records and have incorporated risk management strategies into their enterprises. On farms, for example, this has meant practices including earthworks to capture and store more water, installing soil moisture sensors
to keep a close eye on moisture and temperature levels and schedule planting and irrigation when it will have most effect, and keeping up with climate and weather forecasts. As with most things in life, irrigation is becoming highly technical, and almost every day the suite of digital and computer-based equipment for managing irrigation systems expands. Much of this technology is about collecting and analysing data such as evapotranspiration, soil moisture and weather conditions and applying it to scheduling irrigation so that water is most efficiently applied. This means that learning the skills to effectively manage new technology and irrigation equipment generally has become a priority with many irrigation managers for whom skills development is now part of their farming strategy.
the australian farmer
Irrigation Australia Limited supports a skilled industry through its training and certification programs that are designed for each major sector of the industry from irrigation manager through to retailer, contractor, agronomist, meter installer and designer. SHOWCASING AUSTRALIAN IRRIGATION In recognition of our world-leading record, in October 2022 the irrigation world will come to Adelaide, where Australia will be showcasing its achievements, practices and technology. Irrigation Australia Limited, in partnership with the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), will stage the
nation’s largest-ever irrigation event. The week will include an international congress, managed by ICID, as well as Irrigation Australia’s renowned conference and exhibition. The congress, which is the irrigation and drainage sector’s most important international event, has been held triennially since 1951. It was last convened in Mexico in 2017, when it was opened by his Excellency Enrique Peña Nieto, President of Mexico. The international conference will feature the best speakers from and Australia beyond presenting the latest on irrigation policy, technology and practices. The exhibition promises to be a stand-out event, with irrigation
7
manufacturers and suppliers from every corner of the globe showcasing the technology ranging from pumps and emitters through to applications designed to equip irrigators with up-todate information for making the best decisions about managing irrigation and their crops. Best of all, entrance to the exhibition is free. All you need to do before you attend is to go to the website https://www.icid2020. com.au/iace-home/ and register. And if you are interested hearing the best and brightest speak about all things irrigation, you will be able to register for the conference later in 2021 at website https://www.icid2020.com. au/iace-home/.
• Water used on Australian farms Despite rainfall returning to some parts of eastern Australia in early 2020, national rainfall was below average with 2019-20 the sixth driest year on record. Reduced water availability and increased water costs were drivers for a further decline in irrigation activity in 2019-20. Irrigators markedly reduced the areas of their crops and/or switched to alternate crops with less reliance on water. Fruit, nuts and grapevines were the only crops that saw an increase in irrigation area and volume from 2018-19, with growers having limited options to change irrigation practices. Irrigation of crops and pastures In 2019-20, 3.8 million megalitres were applied to crops (67% of all water applied): • 1 million megalitres for fruit and nuts (up 7%) • 886,900 megalitres for sugar cane (up 1%) • 469,300 megalitres for grapevines (down 1%) • 379,600 megalitres for cotton (down 71%) Of the 1.8 million megalitres applied to pastures (33% of all water applied): • 1.3 million megalitres for pastures and cereals fed off (down 15%) • 589,200 megalitres for pastures and cereals cut for hay and silage (down 12%) * Sources: ABS Water Account website: www.abs.gov.au/statistics/environment/ environmental-management/water-account-australia/latest-release Water Use On Australian Farms. www.abs.gov.au/statistics/industry/agriculture/water-use-australian-farms/2018-19 www.abs.gov.au/statistics/industry/agriculture/water-use-australian -farms/latest-release#water-used-on-australian-farm
Download PDF Back to
10
A Farmer’s Daughter – Travels from the paddock to the boardroom By Kristina Hermanson
A big part of innovation is reliance on diverse perspectives. In agriculture today, our greatest potential lies in gender equality on the farm and in agribusiness management. FROM THE BEGINNING – EVERYTHING WAS A POSSIBILITY Raised in a small rural community in Wisconsin’s Dairyland, USA, I lived in an environment where men, women, and children alike contributed to a successful household, family business, and community. Where working mothers woke at 4 am for farm chores, held an office job during the day, raised a family, and led major community programs every year. Alongside these role models in my early life, I also grew up with parents who taught me that opportunity and potential know no gender; for me everything was possible, from becoming a ballerina to an engineer, to taking over the family farm. Today I am far away from my origins and now find myself one of less than 6 per cent of female CEOs in Australia’s agricultural industry. We are all born with potential, irrespective of gender; so where did things go wrong in the world of gender-balance as we migrate from the paddock to the senior management and Board positions in our sector? Having studied mechanical engineering at university, my working life has always been very male-dominated and one that I have enjoyed. Early on in my career I often overlooked some of the bias and judgement which other helpful colleagues later pointed out. I subsequently spent 15 years in various global businesses across Europe which exposed me to
countless women who were succeeding in business. Usually, their success occurred by fitting the mould that society placed on them and as well as the stereotypes of many male leaders before them. I asked myself, over time, if this was an ideal way as a manager to maximize diversity and potential. Defining moments have featured heavily throughout the 2.5 decades of my career such as reactions to pregnancy – a persistent and unresolved issue in maximising female participation in management. I was also inspired by male and female leaders who broke the mould, asserted themselves – spoke openly about entrenched corporate behaviours which inhibit women and reduce potential contribution to the shared goals. Working across many different cultures in my
the australian farmer
career some of my favourite memories are from my time in Poland – where I managed a strong balance of male and female talent. And in South Asian countries too where trailblazing women were role modelling the way for more diversity, particularly in commercial roles influencing growers. Across all the elements of diversity, which ultimately is about bringing truly new perspectives to solving problems, I have realised gender is the lowest “hanging fruit”. Low number of women in senior management roles, in particular, suggests that something isn’t working – that the talent pool to deliver innovative solutions is not being fully leveraged. A diverse team where all members stand up for what each believes in and speaking their minds creates a workplace where all individuals can truly thrive. Gender Statistics in Australia’s agricultural workforce
ALL INDUSTRIES 50.5% women 49.5% men Full- time gender pay gap is 20.1% 18.3% female CEOs 32.5% female KMPs 28.1% female directors AGRICULTURE, FOR-
ESTRY AND FISHING 32.9% women 67.1% men Full-time gender pay gap is 22.0% 6.3% female CEOs 18.9% female KMPs 15.0% female directors
(Source: 2019-20 Competitor Analysis Benchmark Reports | WGEA). CALLING ALL INCLUSIVE LEADERS TO THE CAUSE During my 15-plus years’ experience in senior management roles, I’ve become convinced that the pathway to our industry’s future success is the rise of inclusive leadership across the whole value chain of agriculture and at all levels of the management hierarchy. More and more industry leaders now recognise there is a business case for inclusive leadership – the capacity to manage and lead a heterogeneous group of people efficiently, while respecting their uniqueness in an empathetic and bi-
11
as-free way. Meaningful change is now happening in various areas such as such as a parental leave policy. Let’s look at the practical elements to encourage such change. More education and rewards are needed to harness this early momentum. For example, inclusive leadership first requires intense curiosity – an enduring need to “ask why?”. Cognisance of bias, or leveraging self-awareness to avoid the leaders Achilles heel, is also a fundamental building block. Commitment, or in other words having strength, resilience, and perseverance to lead through good and bad times, is another. Taking personal risk , or simply courage, is the fourth. Cultural Intelligence, --- truly empathizing and understanding people of diverse backgrounds, is paramount. And finally – collaboration which involves fully engaging in team work to create a greater outcome, is the fifth requirement. An industry that will always know drought, floods, volatility, trade wars, and other complex challenges will prosper with more of these inclusive leadership behaviours across the value chain. To young rural women and men who might be growing up on a farm – be confident in all you do, never stop the child-like curiosity, break social norms and whatever you decide to do, go after it with commitment and courage. Opportunities see no gender – Australian agriculture needs the best from the paddock to the Board Room. Here is to a very bright future as we unlock the full human potential in Australian Agriculture!
Kristina Hermanson is Managing Director of FMC Australasia which is a part of a multi-national agricultural sciences company that advances farming through innovative and sustainable crop protection technologies. In 2021, FMC launched a unique all-of-ag LEAD Scholarship highlighting innovative ideas of young women. FMC is also a sponsor of the National Farmers’ Federation’s Diversity in Ag Program and partner in Nutrien Ag Solutions Diversity in Ag Program. Kristina is the business sponsor of FMC’s Asia Pacific Inclusion Council.”
Download PDF
Back to
The cover image is a painting by Australian artist Dave Sturmer created especially for The Australian Farmer.
www.onemandate.com
Valvoline email address: marketing@valvoline.com Valvoline Sales phone: 1800 458 237 Valvoline Technical phone: 1800 804 658 Valvoline website: www.valvoline.com/en-au/agriculture/