Jess Lehmann and Nellie Evans have been selected as the Cotton Research and Development Corporation’s (CRDC’s) inaugural Young Farming Champions (YFC).
Run by Art4Agriculture, the YFC program identifies youth ambassadors and future influencer working in the agriculture sector. The YFC promote positive images and perceptions of farming and engage in activities such as The Archibull Prize.
CRDC has partnered with Art4Agriculture for the first time in 2017 through its support of the YFC program. Cotton Australia also has a relationship with Art4Agriculture, supporting the Archibull Prize. These programs form part of Cotton Australia’s focus on education, and the combined CRDC and Cotton Australia focus on workforce development.
Jess Lehmann is the daughter of well-known consultant, the late Chris Lehmann, hails from the family cotton farm at Narrabri, and works in cotton research.
“I am always amazed by the various people and bodies who contribute to our agricultural sector,” she says.
“Whether it’s farmers, contractors, researchers, scientists, policy developers, or agronomists; everyone is a part of the overall equation and everyone will benefit from future agricultural research.”
After studying landscape architecture Nellie Evans discovered cotton on the plains of Warren, Bourke and Gunnedah and changed her career direction. Currently a fourth year agricultural science student at The University of Sydney she believes passionately in the industry.
“The cotton industry is really at the forefront of research and development as it faces a future of climate, social and market based challenges,” she says.
CRDC’s General Manager of R&D, Ian Taylor, oversees CRDC’s investments in the ‘People’ program and says the partnership with Art4Agriculture further broadens CRDC’s support of people in the industry.
“We support a wide range of programs – from Art4Agriculture through to the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation – all focused on providing development opportunities for people in cotton.
“It’s an acknowledgement that people are our most important resource.”
For more, visit: www.art4agriculture.com.au