Yuna Farm Improvement Group hold young agronomist trial site field day, fostering collaboration with industry

A Yuna growing group is providing a gateway for graduate agronomists to participate in field trials and build connections in the agricultural industry. Yuna Farm Improvement Group (YFIG) held a field day on July 4 to give young agronomists an opportunity to showcase their trials to the agricultural industry and grow their network with growers in the region. The trial site was run at a family owned cropping farm in Chapman Valley. Growers and industry members met the graduates and assessed trial sites. Jesse Rowe from Nutrien Ag Solutions presented a canola systems trial site. Claire Wilson and Darcy McDonald from Great Northern Rural Services presented a phenoxy herbicide timing trial in wheat. Sarah Johnson and Anne Miller from Elders presented a nitrogen timing demonstration, while Mackenzie Macintosh from Independent Rural presented a pre-emergent grass control trial. YFIG event organiser Nell Eastough said the field day aimed to increase young agronomists’ involvement with growers and expand their connections in the agricultural industry. “We wanted to bring all the graduates who have relocated here together and get them to know each other, know the industry, because agriculture can be really transient,” she said. “Although due to the large amounts of rain there was not much to see post-seeding, good discussion was had by the young agronomists. All the agronomists are hoping to have more results for our annual spring field day.” Farmer and land owner Brady Green said it was an incredible opportunity for junior agronomists to display their products, conduct tests and find solutions. “We thought of this as a way to bring everyone together from all the different companies and give young agros the opportunity to speak in front of a crowd and give them a focus now rather than at the end of their apprenticeship,” he said. “I think it will encourage people in the industry to build relationships with the agronomists.” The growing group hopes the initiative will continue to attract young people in agriculture to the region.