5 minute read
Three Generations of the Watts Family: A Legacy of Learning and Innovation
Deep ties with Charles Sturt have inspired an alumni family of three generations to continue their University connectionlong after the ink on their degrees has dried.
Three generations of the Watts family have graduated from Charles Sturt UniversityMr Kevin Watts, his son Ben, and Ben’s wife Fiona - as well as their daughter Brooke.
Kevin studied at Mitchell College in Bathurst in the 1980s, completing a Diploma in Teaching and Psychology.
Ben completed a Masters of Sustainable Agriculture in 2009, whilst his wife Fiona graduated with a Master of Business Administration in 2003, and completed a Graduate Diploma in Vocational Education and Training in 2008.
The most recent Watts graduate is Brooke, who completed a Bachelor of Business (Management) in 2021.
Ben, Fiona and Brooke are all currently based in Molong, running the family business Bralca. Bralca was a traditional farming operation which has branched into training consultancy over the past 20 years to meet the growing needs of Australian agriculture. The name BRALCA is derived from the names of Ben and Fiona’s three daughters, BRooke, ALyssa and CAitlyn. Each daughter plays an active part in business decision making, reflecting Bralca's strong focus on family values.
Ben and Fiona are Bralca’s owners/directors, whilst Brooke is the current Business Operations Coordinator. Their services include pest animal mapping, drone system consultancy, drone pilot services and training, ultrasound, rural events management and business services.
A focus on sustainable agriculture and AgTech ensures Bralca is forward-thinking- an essential element to safeguard the future of farming. By prioritising sustainability, Bralca is not only investing in the long-term viability of operations, but also contributing positively to environmental conservation and stewardship. AgTech can enhance efficiency, productivity, and precision in farming practices - ultimately leading to better yields and reduced environmental impact.
Leveraging technology to gain insights into land management not only enhances productivity, but also ensures sustainability for future generations.
With emphasis on these areas, Bralca is committed to innovation and staying ahead of the curve in the agricultural industry. Whilst AgTech and sustainable farming is a focus for Bralca, Brooke has recently taken the lead on youth development programs within the company, including both the NSW School Merino Wether Challenge coordination and The UpGen Project
Investing in youth development in agriculture is crucial for the future of the industry. By engaging and empowering young people, we’re not only helping to address the aging workforce in agriculture but also nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators in the field.
The trio said it was important for them to maintain connections with the University after graduation.
“Maintaining a connection to Charles Sturt University as alumni has presented a range of opportunities, including networking with fellow alumni, and now a partnership to benefit hundreds of high school students across NSW that are passionate about Agriculture and Animal and Veterinary Sciences,” Brooke said.
“This connection has been vital”.
“Collaborating with Charles Sturt for the Wether Challenge ensures we maintain an educational focus to ensure students have access to post-school studies that in turn, will increase the uptake of careers in agriculture.”
Ben said alumni connections are essential to his business as he relies on them for networking and knowledge sharing. Studying at Charles Sturt ensured he had the networks and depth of knowledge to excel in his career.
Executive Dean of the Charles Sturt Faculty of Science and Health Professor Megan Smith, said the relationship with Bralca allows collaboration with alumni to inspire the future of the agricultural workforce.
“We have a common goal – together, through education, we can build a strong agricultural workforce and help to address the sector’s workforce shortage,” she said.
“Bralca is a regionally located business, like Charles Sturt University, and both are dedicated to improving the skills of regional communities.
“The event is a hallmark of promoting interactive and competition-based learning in sheep and wool production.
“Charles Sturt University was eager to enhance the experience for students and teachers alike.”
Professor Smith said the University’s course portfolio in Agriculture and Environment and Animal and Veterinary Sciences aligns with future educational needs of the passionate high school students involved with the program.
In 2024, the NSW School Merino Wether Challenge was supported through funding and resources from Australian Wool Innovation, with coordination and logistics provided by Bralca. The purchase of the wethers was kindly donated by the Dubbo National Ram Show and Sale Association Committee.
The relationship between Bralca and Charles Sturt saw schools participating in the NSW School Merino Wether Challenge collect their wethers from the Wagga Wagga University campus in March.
Charles Sturt and Bralca hosted a mid-event challenge in June on the Wagga Wagga campus for up to 200 students from 69 participating schools.
The aim of the challenge is to educate high school students on the commercial production of Merino sheep. Each participating school is allocated six sheep for six months, after which they were judged in August during the according to meat and wool quality.
What better way to inspire and attract the next generation of our agricultural workforce!
