Ideas, inspiration and award announcements at cropping seminar

About 200 professionals from the agricultural sector gathered in Narrabri for the 2022 Crop Consultants Australia seminar, held at The Crossing Theatre last week.

The two-day event covered various topics impacting agronomists and cropping consultants, from Verticillium wilt management, winter diseases and pest control to the interpretation of precision ag. data and satellite imagery.

Presenters and attendees networked and discussed current research projects, new products, supply chain issues and the weather.
CAA and its members play a vital role in the production, management and development of Australia’s cotton and broadacre cropping systems.

The association aims to promote crop consultancy as a profession, transferring knowledge to members and building communication channels between them and other industry groups.

It supports those who provide agronomic advice to cotton, grain, pulse and oilseed producers.

The seminar’s keynote speaker was life coach and marketing guru Jessica Ritchie, who engaged the audience on an issue a little left field of agronomy but one that affects plenty of people in the ag. game – burn out.

“I was invited by Crop Consultants Australia to talk about how not to burn out when there is only one of you because they noticed that was happening within the ag industry, particularly coming out of the drought and that it all seemed to be catching up with people,” Ms Ritchie told The Courier.

“The exhaustion was really starting to creep in.

“They wanted someone to come in who was different, to capture their attention, discussing – what is burn out?

“What are the signs of it? And what can we do to spark our mark and create that spark that we have within ourselves so that it can be a ripple effect and help spark others who might need it and need assistance too.”

Ms Ritchie’s speech was a bright breakaway from the cropping session’s regular program.

Energetically presenting on stage wearing her signature hot pink shoes and showing colourful slides, Mrs Ritchie offered helpful and practical tips on how people can be the best versions of themselves, asking questions such as – who are your ‘High 5’, the five people you can lean on for support? What’s your vision? And What legacy do you want to leave?

“It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in; we all need to remind ourselves of mindset, authenticity, resilience, and kindness – no matter what,” said Ms Ritchie.

Currently based in Toowoomba, Ms Ritchie was raised in Mackay where her family members are still part of the local farming industry.

“I grew up in MacKay, and so on my dad’s side, I would be a fourth-generation cane farmer if I was to take that on, and my mum’s side were cane farmers as well.”

Ms Ritchie understands the nature of farming means growers can spend a lot of time alone, and she said it’s easy for people to get overwhelmed and burnt out when they’re in this position if they don’t take the time to step away to clear their minds.

“Those little reminders of taking time out for me and taking time out on the tractor isn’t time out for you; you might think it is because you’re there on your own but it’s not extracting yourself out of that environment to do something that lights you up and fills your cup outside of work.

“It’s important for people to be kind to themselves and to check in with others too.”

Ms Ritchie said she enjoyed meeting everyone at the seminar and visiting North West NSW.

“I hadn’t been to Narrabri before, and I absolutely adored my trip from Toowoomba to Narrabri – just seeing the fields and the colour and diversity of the landscape.

“Everyone is so lovely, warm and friendly – so I will definitely be back.”

A dinner was also held as part of the cropping event, where the winners of the 2021 prestigious Cotton Seed Distributors Researcher of the Year Award and the ADAMA Chris Lehmann Trust Young Cotton Achiever of the Year were announced, a year late due to COVID-19.
Taking the honours were Dr Iain Wilson, a research scientist with the CSIRO in Canberra and Emma Ayliffe, an agronomist based near Griffith.

Dr Wilson was recognised for his efforts in innovation, his professional commitment to the industry and the impact he has had and continues to have on the cotton sector.

The judging panel noted Dr Wilson’s pivotal role in the advancement of germplasm with enhanced Verticillium Wilt resistance through the development of molecular tools employed by the CSIRO cotton breeding program.

“This germplasm will dramatically improve productivity in regions affected by the Verticillium Wilt pathogen, as well as maintain the sustainability of other cotton production regions.”

During the judging process Dr Wilson said his focus on developing resistance markers for Black Root Rot, Fusarium Wilt and Cotton Bunchy Top has been driven by his desire to improve economic and environmental benefits to the industry.

“It’s been a team effort, working to solve interesting but important problems and there’s nothing better in science.”

The ADAMA Chris Lehmann Trust Young Cotton Achiever of the Year winner Emma Ms Ayliffe is an experienced cotton agronomist who recently started her own consulting business Summit Ag Services.

Emma Ayliffe has been actively involved in the southern expansion of the cotton industry with a focus on efficiencies and sustainability, backed by on-farm research and development.

She is involved in grassroots projects in compaction and irrigation and manages CRDC projects for whitefly.

Ms Ayliffe has also been highly involved in the Irrigation Research Extension Committee, volunteering her time as an advisor and helping to design and manage trials, as well as sourcing in-kind operational support.

Deb Lehmann, wife of the late Chris Lehmann, presented Ms Ayliffe with the award.

Local Chris Lehmann was the first independent cotton consultant in Australia and the Chris Lehmann Trust Fund provides financial support to young people in the cotton industry who wish to further their education, develop new skills and continue contributing to the industry through their professional development.

Cotton Australia chief executive officer Adam Kay visited Narrabri for the Crop Consultants Australia seminar and said both award winners were outstanding contributors to the cotton industry in different ways and with significant potential to improve the industry over many years.

“Iain’s work will have a real and measurable impact on farmers through his work on disease resistance which will in-turn improve yields and reduce the use of chemicals, so that’s a win for the economy and the environment.

“Emma is showing how fresh ideas and hard work can benefit all the growers in her region and other regions.

“I am particularly impressed with Emma’s commitment to improving the social licence of cotton, and that will have benefits for the country as more people hear how our cotton is among the world’s best in quality and sustainability.”