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.

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.

Change. Inevitable, and often for the best..

"Look at things from a different angle...  be open to someone who's doing it the opposite way. You can learn something from someone's opinion. You might not agree with it, but you might learn something from that" Simon McLachlan

Simon lives this philosophy. He's a keen observer, respectful of others and not afraid to upset his own status quo.  He has converted farms from conventional to bio dynamic practices, moved states and climate zones and grown any number of different crops. He and his wife Josie also directed an off the grid youth wilderness retreat. Perhaps this period of hard work in humble, disconnected surrounds helped solidify the observer that Simon is today. Now they are developing their own property in Hoddles Creek, a long way from Simon's roots growing pineapples,ginger and strawberries in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. 

Simon and Josie embrace change, and their farming is all the better for it.

Enjoy, the video.