GRDC nurturing plan for emerging agronomists underway at Capella

Funded by GRDC and delivered by Seedbed Media, the event was a pilot for four others that will take place around Australia, at Wagga, Dubbo, Goondiwindi and Barellan.

According to Seedbed's Rachel Bowman, they are part of an initiative to make use of the experience of established agronomists to mentor those emerging in the industry, thanks to their role in disseminating messages to growers.

She said much of the interaction would take place via a closed Facebook group, ensuring there was a safe place for people to ask tricky questions.

At Capella, Emerald-based consultant Graham Spackman told the group it was important to keep up to date by attending field days and update sessions, and by joining professional organisations.

"Set yourself a project," he said. "Spend as much time as you can on-farm, developing relationships there and with researchers."

Hand-in-hand with that was developing a reputation for going the extra mile and having accurate information, Mr Spackman said.

Northern region grower relations manager for GRDC, Susan McDonnell added that it was important not to pretend you knew something if you didn't.

"Growers will respect your keenness and willingness to learn," she said.

"They don't expect you will have all the answers, but if you say you'll get back to them, don't leave it dangling."

Ms McDonnell said establishing trust and helping a client feel safe would be valuable when it came to having difficult conversations, either around cropping issues or relating to financial issues.

Joining in by phone, Emerald's Kelly O'Neill, who fits part-time work as an independent agronomist around family duties, emphasised developing a working relationship with farmers.

"You should have your communication lines open and ask regularly if they need anything, plus value add, say with weeds information," she said.