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Some members of the AgForce Young Producers Council: James Henderson, Bec McKeering, Helen Woodland, Henry Roellgen, Emma Knight, Scott Muller, Ben Somerset and Tamara Finger.
AgForce Young Producers’ Council (YPC) chairwoman Helen Woodland.
Sharing the farm passion Accessing finance and building capacity to buy a profitable property is one of the biggest challenges facing prospective farmers today. And, AgForce Young Producers’ Council (YPC) chairwoman Helen Woodland has rare insight into both sides of the fence. Through her career in agribusiness banking and economic development, Ms Woodland has helped farming businesses survive and thrive, while her husband is also chasing the land ownership dream. Ms Woodland said significant capital was needed to buy a commercially-viable farm. “It isn’t easy because if you’re a young person and you’re like, ‘I want to be a farmer’, you’ve got to be in it for the long haul. It is a long road.” Formed in January 2021, the YPC aims to raise awareness about what matters to young producers, the challenges they face and to deliver positive outcomes for those striving to succeed in agriculture. It is an energetic, forward-thinking and commercially-minded group of 18 to 40-yearolds passionate about the rural industry in Queensland. Ms Woodland, who holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, was raised in a family who farmed dairy and lucerne across two properties in the Lockyer Valley. “I have always loved farming and agriculture and being an advocate,” she said. “I’m re-
AgForce Young Producers’ Council (YPC) chairwoman Helen Woodland has a small commercial beef herd, running the cattle on agistment. ally passionate about primary industries and supporting farmers.” So, when AgForce proposed the establishment of the YPC in late 2020, Ms Woodland applied immediately. “I thought it was a fantastic initiative,” she said. “And also another way to meet driven
young people who are trying to get ahead and make their mark going forward. “As we know, farmers are getting older and it is hard to get young people onto properties. There are a number of factors for that including financial, social and economic reasons. “However, there are many young people who have always been interested in farming,
but haven’t really fully been across the opportunities that come from being in primary production. “The YPC talks about this and says, ‘Well, you could still add value and contribute to the field of agriculture in a role such as agronomy, for example, but you may not be managing your own property, per se’.” YPC members, who are located in North Queensland, Central Queensland, South West, Southern Inland and Southeast Queensland, represent AgForce’s four commodities: cattle, sheep, grain and cane. “You’ve got a nice mix of people - six women and five men - who own properties, manage farms, are in agribusiness like me or, in some other way, shape or form, are in the supply chain,” Ms Woodland said. “Everybody contributes equally and all opinions are valued.” Being an advocacy body, the YPC works with State and Federal Governments and industry to improve outcomes for young farmers. And, from this year, the council has a seat at the table of the National Farmers’ Federation. “The YPC is in a unique position where it can provide feedback and be part of the conversations that are impacting young people, both here and now and also into the future.” Ms Woodland has a keen interest in beef and grain and has a small commercial beef herd, running the cattle on agistment. “We keep chipping away, building our numbers,” she said. “We really enjoy it.”
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By Fiona Gowers
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Quiet achiever impresses
Felicity Taylor’s career trajectory with Rabobank - including a big stint on the Darling Downs - has been meteoric. “I’m excited to be something different in this role, something you don’t always see, but I’ve never felt disadvantaged, the groundwork was done for me by so many inspiring, capable women who have led the agricultural space over many years. “I feel like the door has always been open.” When probed on female role models, her response is unlikely – but one reflective of Felicity’s ease in constructing a highly consid-
ered, yet practical opinion, all while looking beyond the box. “I often look to one of my colleagues, Rabobank’s own Clare Merrifield, who is a constant source of inspiration. “She’s had an incredibly impressive career – from grain trading to banking – and has never let these traditionally male-dominated roles get in the way of her femininity. “To see her dealing with clients and be able
to maintain the emotional intelligence and compassion that women tend to have was enlightening.” On a broader scale, she has great respect for National Farmers Federation’s Fiona Simson, who has been a stalwart of industry representation for many years. “It’s such an exciting time for not just women, but all young people in our rural communities, the opportunities are unlimited.”
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Felicity Taylor has a quiet confidence, but one backed by a knowledge, insight and quick wit that belie her youth. And, be it in casual conversation or negotiating the most sensitive of business dealings, her engaging appeal is broad. So, it comes as little surprise that her career trajectory with Rabobank - including a big stint on the Darling Downs - has been meteoric, with the impressive young professional recently announced as an area manager. At the age of 26 she was the youngest in Rabobank Australia’s history to hold this senior title. Suggesting her career path evolved organically, Felicity, now 27, reflects she has always taken on roles she genuinely enjoyed and grabbed opportunity as it presented. In her five short years since embarking on a Rabobank internship while completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Economics, Felicity has worked in the RaboResearch and Country Banking team, spent two months in mergers and acquisitions at Rabobank’s global head office in Utrecht, the Netherlands and experienced working across a number of branches, including in Toowoomba. She’s enjoyed a global training ground in an organisation she had long admired. “I was familiar with the company – my parents are clients – and I found Rabobank’s strong rural and regional focus appealing,” Felicity said. “The fact the bank is ingrained in the community while maintaining a much larger network with links to global knowledge and expertise seemed really unique and I like this big picture thinking while keeping the focus local.” Her time in Utrecht, while she admits was challenging - “I have a new found appreciation for anyone working in investment banking, those guys never stop” - was equally enriching, providing her with context around Rabobank’s rich European culture. “There is a Rabobank branch on every corner, it’s an organisation so embedded in the economic and social wellbeing of the Netherlands and, given we’re a lot quieter in our street presence here in Australia, it made me really proud.” Growing up on a broadacre cropping property 35 kilometres north of Moree, Felicity feels privileged to have been raised in a farming culture and enjoyed working with her parents and grandfather. “I always wanted to do something ag-related and tried to look at different ways to apply my ag background, even looking into the agricultural political advisory space. But, in the end, I just couldn’t go past Rabobank.” Throughout her career, youth nor gender has ever been an issue, and now – as she takes on the hot seat as area manager – she thanks the many female professionals paving the way before her.
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Online benefits realised Agricultural businesses across the Darling Downs have taken advantage of the opportunity to expand their online presence through a new Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) E-Ag program. As part of this program, Molly Wagner, TSBE’s export officer, has worked with local businesses to develop new skills for food and agricultural businesses across the region, helping to grow their online sales. Ms Wagner said the E-Ag program was designed to demystify the challenges around online sales for participants. “This program has helped align internal processes to meet buyer demands and assist commercialising their e-commerce product offering,” she said. “As part of the program, we work with each business to understand their current position, look at how they could expand their online presence or focus their e-commerce journey on a targeted range of products that offer the greatest potential for success.” Ms Wagner has recently worked with Victoria Hill Lamb who launched a new website to showcases their passion for the land, their
core principles of animal welfare and the value happy sheep. She said that the launch of Victoria Hill Lamb’s new website was an exciting step for them and helped to promote their product to more consumers around the country. In fact, after the E-Ag program Victoria Hill Lamb decided to employ a representative dedicated to their sales and marketing effort, Charlotte Smith. “I am passionate about helping regional Queensland agri-food companies such as Victoria Hill Lamb develop their story and connect with consumers,” Ms Wagner said. “This program is one way of enabling producers to create a true paddock to plate experience for consumers and capitalise on the growing e-commerce trend for fresh food.” Ms Wagner graduated from the University of Queensland, with a Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in International Business, International Relations, Journalism and Mass Communications. Born and raised in Toowoomba, she is passionate about regional Queensland accessing international opportunities.
Charlotte Smith, Victoria Hill Lamb and Molly Wagner, TSBE.
Molly Wagner, TSBE’s export officer, is working with local businesses to develop new skills for food and agricultural firms across the region.
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August 2022 TODAY 21
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Carla Pidgeon secured a spot with her photo taken in Allora.
Neil Kendall’s photo, taken in Warwick, will be featured in the calendar.
Jasmine Newton’s photo, taken in Mitchell on the Western Downs.
Showcasing our rural life By Dominique Tassell
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Three Queensland photographers have secured a spot in Rural Aid’s new calendar, showcasing the beauty of rural life. Allora-based Carla Pidgeon won a spot in the calendar for a photo taken on her farm. Carla said finding out she had been included in the calendar was exciting. “I had to pinch myself,” she joked. She said it was “very cool” to think her photo would be admired around the country and described the other entries as “just brilliant”. “They have a good lineup,” she said. Carla said she saw the competition on social media and decided to enter. “I’ve just started using social media to post photos of the farm,” she said. Carla’s family farms sheep, cattle and grain. You can find her on Instagram @arolla4362 or Allora spelt backwards with the postcode. “I just take photos for a hobby, just taking photos along the way,” she said. Carla said while she has had limited association with Rural Aid in the past, she thought
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they were “a great organisation”. “What they do for people on the land is great,” she said. “They’re a great organisation to support.” When asked what she would do with her $250 in prize money, Carla said she has “no idea”. “I might splurge on myself,” she joked. “I haven’t thought that far ahead.” Of the other 12 calendar spots, two more were secured by Queenslanders. Brisbane photographer Neil Kendall will have a photo featured, taken in Warwick. His photo was taken at the Warwick Rodeo during the Ladies Silver Cup Campdraft. “In extremely wet conditions,” he joked. While previously Neil has travelled around the world taking photos, the Covid pandemic forced him to look within his home state. “It’s amazing how much goes on in rural Queensland when you go looking for it,” he said. Wanting to keep his skills sharp, he had to go find photo opportunities. Neil has previously been featured by Canon and has taken photos at the Boonah Show
and Millmerran Show. He said he’ll travel anywhere within a few hours of Brisbane. “I enjoy the nature and life in country Queensland,” he said. “It’s pretty lively, there’s lots going on.” Neil would love to get in contact with the woman in the photo, as he was unable to at the event. You can find Neil on Instagram @bucketlisttravelphotos. Jasmine Newton’s photo, taken in Mitchell on the Western Downs, will also be featured in the calendar. More than 1100 photographic entries were received from farms right across the country, a record for the Spirt of the Bush competition. Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said it was heartening to see so many quality captures. “The Spirit of the Bush competition attracts photos from every corner of the country and reflects every part of life on the land,” Mr Warlters said. “It’s mesmerising to see the highs and lows of farm life reflected in action shots, sweeping horizons and moments of quiet reflection. “It’s great to see a theme of hope emerge
from our images this year. “The winning photos tell a story of both work and play. Events like harvest and planting are featured, as well as moments of rest, relaxation, and recreation. “It’s fantastic to see so many jaw-dropping entries from West Australia in particular. Queensland and New South Wales’ snappers also feature heavily in the winners’ circle. “A huge congratulations to our talented winners who will now have their photos used in Rural Aid’s 2023 calendar.” Mr Warlters also reflected on the huge jump in entries from last year. “It gets harder to pick the winners every year!” he said. “Last year, Rural Aid received 720 entries. This year, more than 1100 were submitted!” The Rural Aid 2023 calendar will be available for purchase and pre-order later this year. Supporters are encouraged to keep an eye on the Rural Aid social media pages for more information. Proceeds will directly support Rural Aid’s range of programs to help farmers and their families.