Sam Waddell
But after meeting industry professionals and learning about the science that has enabled Australian farmers to grow export value to around $49 billion annually, Bachelor of Agriculture student Sam Waddell knows the industry has a bright future.
Especially if, like Sam, making those kinds of changes and seeing your impact firsthand motivates you.
“I was drawn to agriculture because of the exciting industry trends, such as the innovation and adaptation of software and machinery to improve efficiencies across the industry, whether that be at the farm gate or somewhere further down the supply chain,” he says.
“People within the industry are genuinely passionate about what the future holds and the opportunities that will come about.”
And with good reason – they know reliable agriculture is at the foundation of every society.
“Without agriculture, industries like technology, retail and tourism would cease to exist,” Sam says.
“Knowing that the industry I will work in contributes to the functioning of the world is incredibly rewarding.”
Sam is already working in the operations team of Clear Grain Exchange.
“My role here has given me a comprehensive understanding of the Australian grains sector, the grains supply chain and the application of economic theories,” he says.
“I feel positive about my career prospects after graduation. I believe that I will be able to find one that interests me, whether that be in rural Australia, the cities or across the globe.”
If you want to contribute to something essential and incredibly rewarding, a career in agriculture will grant you this. It's an established, innovative, exciting and well-connected industry that will allow you to thrive. Sam Waddell
Sam’s interest, and his major in the Bachelor of Agriculture, is Agricultural Economics and how agricultural businesses make changes and adapt. He is particularly interested in agricultural technology innovation, as well as how policy and world events impact prices farmers receive for produce and therefore their farm management.
This is an area that is only growing in importance and value as the climate changes and new tech creates opportunities for businesses.
Although he initially had difficulty engaging with some of the degree’s science content, extra sessions led by teaching staff increased his one-on-one learning and allowed him to ask questions he would not ask in a lecture theatre. He says his lecturers and tutors, and particularly Dr Sally Foletta, have helped him find his footing and inspired him.
“Her passion for what she teaches has definitely inspired me to do better in my studies and also become passionate and invested in what I am learning – she is a great asset to the University,” Sam says.
He’s also embraced the hands-on parts of the program, such as visits to farms and other food industry businesses around the University of Melbourne’s Dookie campus in the Goulburn Valley.
“Getting out on farms really allowed me to connect concepts learnt in class and link them to real farm management strategies.”
Now in his final year, he’s embracing the flexibility of the degree and taking subjects that match his interests in water management in Australia, how farm managers enact change and the economics that drive good farm management.
He says agriculture and associated industries are a fantastic area for anyone who wants to make an impact and contribute to their local, regional and international communities.
“Agriculture is an industry that is essential to the functioning of society. If you want to contribute to something essential and incredibly rewarding, a career in agriculture will grant you this.
“It's an established, innovative, exciting and well-connected industry that will allow you to thrive.”
Banner image: New laboratories in Parkville allow students to work together in advanced facilities. From left to right: Bachelor of Agriculture student Sophie Hanna, Senior Lecturer (Agricultural Sciences) Dr Sarah Frankland, Sam Waddell and fellow student Saleh Hassen.