AgriFutures On Air

"We need more people, especially from emerging industries, to attend courses like this, to reshape their view, not just change their view, reshape it towards the right direction."Dr. Omid Ansari, the founder and CEO of HempGen Tech, recently completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) course as part of his commitment to growing the Australian hemp industry. In this episode, Dr. Ansari shares how the course equipped him with the tools to lead his startup company through its critical early stages.He explains that as a CEO in an emerging industry, he recognised the need for a deeper understanding of corporate governance, strategic decision-making, and risk management. The AICD course provided him with a systematic approach to building a solid foundation for his business based on best practices.Dr. Ansari highlights key takeaways from the course, including establishing clear governance structures, making informed financial decisions, and developing strategic planning skills. He emphasises how these learnings have not only benefited his own company, but also enabled him to become a more effective leader and role model for the fragmented hemp industry.By completing this course, Dr. Ansari has gained the confidence and expertise to guide his startup through the challenges of an evolving market. His insights underscore the value of formal training for industry leaders looking to drive innovation and growth.Further ResourcesWant to gain the skills to drive innovation and growth in your industry? Apply now for one of the 2025 AgriFutures Learning and Development Opportunities for the chance to secure an AgriFutures-sponsored position in up to nine nationally renowned programs including the AICD (applications close Wednesday, 8 January 2025).

In this episode, hear from two inspiring young people, Tess Cook and Ben Peden, who both participated in the 2023 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship Program.Tess comes from a cattle and cropping property in central Queensland and is now studying veterinary science, while Ben grew up in Sydney with no agricultural background before discovering a passion for the sector through high school and university.Both Tess and Ben share how the Horizon Scholarship has been transformative for them, opening their eyes to the incredible diversity of the agricultural sector and providing invaluable networking, professional development and personal growth opportunities.Listen to them discuss their experience taking part in the Program including overcoming imposter syndrome, getting comfortable being uncomfortable, and finding their voice to share bold ideas.The program has helped them build confidence, expand their perspectives, and discover new pathways they never would have considered before.Further ResourcesWant to gain the skills to drive innovation and growth in your industry? Apply now for one of the 2025 AgriFutures Learning and Development Opportunities for the chance to secure an AgriFutures-sponsored position in up to nine nationally renowned programs including the Horizon Scholarships (applications close Friday, 15 January 2025).

This podcast was first published by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). Supported by the GRDC, the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship Program fosters the next generation of agricultural leaders who are interested in contributing to the Australian grains industry's success.Awarded to roughly 20 students each year, the Scholarship provides a bursary of $5000 a year during the final two years of a degree, along with professional development, work placements and networking opportunities.In this podcast, we hear from Horizon Scholarship recipient, Grace Moloney, on how the experience has opened doors for her professionally here in Australia and abroad.Further ResourcesApplications are now open for the 2025 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship. In partnership with 12 industry sponsors, students enrolled in full time study at an Australian university can apply for:A bursary of $5000 per year for the final two years of your degreeProfessional development workshopsAnnual industry work placements aligned with the scholar’s areas of interest and their sponsor’s industryOpportunities to network and gain knowledge at a range of industry events.For more information and how to apply, head to agrifutures.com.au/horizon. Applications close on Friday, 10 January 2025 at 5pm AEDT sharp.More episodes of the GRDC Podcast are available on their website, or on Spotify.

"Seriously, just do it! You certainly won't regret it.”In the latest episode of the AgriFutures Capacity Building miniseries, we hear from two agricultural leaders who participated in the transformative Australian Rural Leadership Foundation's TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program - Verity Price, Deputy CEO of the Australian Chicken Meat Federation, and Jacob Birch, Managing Director of Yaamarra & Yarral in the native grains industry.From the powerful Welcome to Country ceremony that set the tone, to the immersive experiences in nature the program pushed them to step back and reflect on their purpose, behaviours, and relationships in new ways.Despite working in vastly different agricultural sectors, both Verity and Jacob highlight how taking part in the program allowed them the time for deep reflection, how they have applied their learnings back home, and how they continue to be shaped by the lasting impact of the program that go beyond just teaching technical skills.Further ResourcesReady to take Verity’s advice and “just do it”? Apply for one of the 2025 AgriFutures Learning and Development Opportunities - the chance to secure an AgriFutures-sponsored position in up to nine nationally renowned programs - including TRAIL (applications close Wednesday, 8 January 2025).