FORMER Beaudesert High student and the 2019 Beaudesert Show rural ambassador Georgia Rodgers has been chosen to take part in Elders' two-year 2020 Graduate Agronomy Program.
The 22-year-old graduated from Beauy High in 2014, the same year she took home a Cattle Handler award from the Beaudesert Show.
"I developed a genuine passion for the industry at high school where I was heavily involved in the day to day running of our school farm and an active member of the school cattle showing team," she said.
Run by Elders' flagship research and development arm, Thomas Elder Institute, the agronomy program provides agronomists with exposure to the industry's best practices, world-class training and a first-hand look at the support, advice and solutions Elders provides to clients.
Ms Rodgers said she had worked for Beaudesert Elders with Brendan Magee before graduating with her Bachelor of Agriculture from Central Queensland University.
"That was really good experience, Brendan showed me what agronomy really is about," she said.
Upon hearing about the Elders' Graduate Agronomist Program, Ms Rodgers said she jumped at the chance to further her knowledge.
"This program is incredibly valuable because it allows me to become familiar with industry processes while continuing to learn and hone my skills," she said.
"I believe it will make me fully confident to truly call myself an agronomist- the best way to explain what that means is to say it's like a plant and soil doctor, and it's really cool because you get to help farmers.
"I'm a firm believer in starting from the bottom, and working with the some of the most respected people in the industry is the ideal way to learn, understand and adopt the most effective and cutting-edge procedures."
Having been posted at Elders Toowoomba for the first six-months of the program Ms Rodgers said she had reveled in the opportunity to work with senior agronomists Matt Kenny and Ken Reimers while being exposed to a variety of sorghum, mung bean, chickpea, barley and wheat crops.
"Matt and Ken are two people with a wealth of experience - being able to work alongside them and pick their brains about anything and everything to do within agronomy is an amazing way to find my feet in the industry," she said.
Head of TEI, Dr Michael Wilkes, said the graduate program was the perfect platform for budding agronomists to identify their area of expertise and take the first steps to establishing a long and prosperous career in the industry.
"Our program takes bright and passionate young minds and provides them with opportunities to create their own pathway to success," he said. "Graduates will work alongside some the country's most experienced and respected agronomists to help nurture their passion and hone their skills."
Dr Wilkes said the program was just as important for Elders as it was for the graduates themselves.
"The introduction of new talent leads to the next generation of best-in-class agronomists spread throughout our network," he said.
With the coronavirus pandemic having thrown much of the world's economy into a state of uncertainty, Dr Wilkes said there had never been a better time to enter Australian agribusiness.
"Now, more than ever, the community is looking to Australian agribusiness as a beacon of light for the crucial role the sector plays in food security and the economy," he said.
"Being exposed to the inner-workings of the industry during this period will be an invaluable experience that will hold our 2020 graduates in good stead as they look to establish their careers."
"The program has gone from strength to strength since its introduction in 2015, as reflected by the success previous graduates have had in forging fruitful careers at Elders upon completing the program.
"You just have to look at the career paths of former graduates to appreciate the value that this program offers."