Amy Gullifer describes herself as solicitor by day and an aspiring young farmer at all other times. Through advocacy and communication Amy strives to help other people start a conversation, further their understanding of agriculture and get started in the farming sector

This is Amy’s story…

Bathurst, in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales, is the place I call home. Bathurst was put on the map by its internationally renowned racetrack Mount Panorama. To me, the significance of Bathurst has nothing to do with racing and everything to do with agriculture.

I grew up on a mixed grazing farm just north of Bathurst under the watchful eye of both parents and all four grandparents. My parents owned and ran a rural merchandise business that was the hub for many people involved in agriculture in region.  My father certainly taught me most things I know about the industry and I have been immeasurably lucky to be brought up under such a forward thinking and moving man.

My knowledge and involvement in agriculture has certainly grown and diversified since the above picture (as has my fashion sense) – a direct result of my parents encouraging me to get involved and be the difference that you wish to see. I am now involved in my local show society, Landcare committee, Agricultural Societies Council Next Generation committee and am on an advisory group to the Board of the Central Tablelands Local Lands Service, as well as being a beef producer myself.

In an age where information can be shared at the drop of a hat I believe young people moving into agriculture should take advantage of this. For an agricultural community to thrive it must have a high level of connectivity and I think the youth of today are the best people to facilitate networking, communication, and information dissemination between generations.

I remember attending wether trial days, fencing demonstrations or just lunches with my father, or even hosting them at our property and the conversation and interaction would be a bigger focus than the sheep or demonstration themselves. This will always be the way that I will remember my experiences with agriculture and I think there’s something we can take forward from this interactive approach.

I have become involved in quite a few groups that facilitate connectivity, whether that be locally or internationally. The Agricultural Societies Council Next Generation has provided me with an amazing platform to meet people from all over the world. I was lucky enough last year to be the recipient of a scholarship to attend the Royal Agricultural Societies of the Commonwealth Conference in Brisbane, gaining infinite opportunities to network with like-minded people and take in knowledge that I took back to my own enterprise, Show Society and hometown.

Quite a while ago now, I made the big decision to leave the nest and venture off to university to complete a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Environmental Science. University was one of the most eye opening experiences of my life. It really made me aware of the struggle some people had been through and still go through in agriculture but it also made me aware of how strong the industry is, both socially and economically.

I have now completed my double degree and have been admitted to practice in New South Wales as a Solicitor specialising in property and family law.

My new career move has provided me with a lot of training in communication and advocacy and I wish to channel that into providing easy to digest information to those, both younger or older than me, that wish to get into farming but are not quite sure how to go about it. This desire saw the creation of my blog raisinggreenerpastures.com with the purpose of documenting my journey of getting set up and running as a grazier, offering handy tips in other areas with a focus on sustainability, as well as some light hearted entertainment.

I hope that my journey so far can inspire someone, even if it’s only one person, to pick up a book, to open a link or to have a conversation and further their understanding of agriculture.