How To Attract Generation Z to Agriculture - Becky Parker

“Nine of ten youth will say, "Values that align with mine are what I'm looking for in a company that I want to work for."“ Becky Parker

Becky Parker is the Manager of Community Trust at the British Colombia (BC) Agriculture Council in Canada. Becky is helping to build the connections between farmers and consumers and assist farmers to understand how best to tell their story.

Click on the image of Becky and I to watch the chat.

A 5th generation farmer, she is also trained in science and education, and has completed a masters and Nuffield Scholarship on the topic of attracting generation Z to agriculture. Agricultural industries the world over face the same issues. An ever-growing demand for food, an ageing farming population and shrinking regional populations. Becky’s experience and insights in both building consumer trust and attracting youth to agriculture are at the root of the future of our food and fibre productions. We talk aligning values, entrepreneurship, competition and the need for a younger face and voice to speak with this emerging workforce.

I had so much fun talking to Becky. My bloopers continue, and I also introduced the world famous* “Cow Bell Round”.

*Not world famous… yet.

Biological Farming - Stuart Proud

"I remember back in University it was all chemistry and physics, whereas I think the biology plays such a massive role. I really hope that for the next generation of people that come through, more of that is emphasized." Stuart Proud - Biological farmer

Stuart Proud is the Viticulturist and winemaker for Thousand Candles in the Yarra Valley, along with his family project, Proud Primary Produce.  He follows biological farming practices, focusing on soil health and natural farming systems to produce exceptional fruit for great wines.

Stu discuss's the concept of biological farming, his influences in the switch to this appoach, value adding through better farm health and the first steps to take towards biological practices. 

Blooper cuts galore at the end of this episode!

Click the image to watch the video.

The Nuffield Phenomenon - Dr Jean Lonie

"Leadership is finding your voice and having the agency to step into issues that are important to you, and be part of the conversation. Leadership is stepping up to a situation that needs people to be part of it and you have that voice." Jean Lonie

Dr Jean Lonie is a Director of Nuffield USA, and has now completed her PHD at Penn State University. Her topic was "The Public Value of Global Agricultural Capacity programs -specifically the Nuffield Phenomenon". Jean discusses the Nuffield program, agricultural leadership, capacity building,  collaboration,  and the concept of antifragility.

Differing time zones are a challenge but caffeine carried me through this interview.

Click the picture to watch the video. Enjoy

Vineyard Soils Guru - Professor Bob White

"Provided you're putting adequate amounts of the right kind of organic matter you will have a diverse micro flora in the soil." Prof. Bob White

 

Professor Bob White, author of "Understanding Vineyard Soils" and "Soils for Fine Wine"  knows his soils.  We discuss what makes a great viticultural soil, soil biology, terroir and how he came to be involved in the world of vineyard soil's.

Speaking with Bob is a real privilege, as he is a gem of the wine industry's soil sphere.

It is just a pity we had an unexpected intruder at the end...

Click the photo to view the video and enjoy.

Aromatic Soil Biology - Buxton Black Truffles

"Having a good healthy soil is the key to having good aromatic truffles" Adrian Utter

Adrian Utter and his father Bob love the sweet smell of soil biology - Truffles that is.  Set in the Acheron Valley of Victoria, their Buxton Black Truffles tuffiere is a mix of oaks which are now close to 10 years old.  With the help of Lily, the truffle hound extraordinaire they go searching for the microbial jewels of the soil.

We talk soils, aromatics, tree establishment, the influence of Bob and put Lily to the test to hunt for truffles too. I wish we had smell-o -vision!

Enjoy.

Repairing the Ozone Layer

"The ozone hole recovery at this stage, 34% of that recovery, is just due to the regulation of methyl bromide." Prof. Ian Porter

As a child of the 80's and 90's, I vividly remember the discussion around the hole in the ozone layer, a real hot topic of the time.  Professor Ian Porter of La Trobe University has been working with the United Nations since the Montreal Protocol was enacted to aid in its repair.  Ian's role has been to co-chair the committee for the reduction of Methyl Bromide in Agriculture. This work, along with the reduction of other ozone depleting substances,  has resulted in significant repair to the ozone layer and the atmospheres ability to filter ultraviolet radiation. 

We discuss soil health, UV radiation, leadership and the politics of working with the UN. Ian is passionate about this topic, hence his recent award of recognition from the United nations for 30 years of dedication to the cause, and a great communicator. 

Enjoy.