Growing up in metropolitan Adelaide, my biggest challenge so far in my agricultural journey has been channelling my interests into ag in the first place.
Throughout my schooling, I didn't understand the level of science that went into getting my food to the table or appreciate the complex economics and understanding of markets required to trade our commodities.
Fundamentally, I didn't even know what agriculture meant beyond being a farmer, let alone the sheer number of people involved in the industry.
Since enrolling in a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and actively participating in the industry, I have had no trouble as a city dweller.
In fact, everyone along my journey has been keen to share their knowledge and experience.
I'd like to hope the same inclusiveness is presented to others who are unaware of the issues and topics that our industry covers, due to their background.
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When I was in high school, an agricultural pathway wasn't represented at career information nights like other more mainstream career options.
I ended up committing to a degree and an industry that I knew very little about at the time - due to a lack of representation.
The agricultural application of my interests in science, economics, sustainability and communication were unknown to me.
I'm sure there are other secondary students who may have similar interests, but are unaware of a career in agriculture due to their non-rural upbringing.
Considering the growing workforce demands faced by our industry, we shouldn't disregard those who haven't lived and breathed ag their whole lives.
There is a world of young people out there, who are passionate and driven about issues such as energy, food security and technology, but are blind to their connection to agriculture.
I believe that with more opportunities for city students to learn about ag for what it really is, and not as a stereotype, more people will realise that there is a place for them in our industry and communities.
I have grown to love the nature of the agricultural industry, in ways that I never previously appreciated.
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The seasonality attributed to agriculture makes the work so exciting and dynamic, let alone the different challenges faced each year.
Learning about the different agricultural regions and understanding what makes each area different leads to an even greater admiration of the land.
It is incredibly eye-opening to learn about all of the different sectors and how each offers exciting avenues to follow.
These things may be second nature to those who have grown up in the industry, but as an outsider, learning about these aspects has drawn me closer to agriculture.