The Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) is calling for expressions of interest from young people in agriculture to apply for a place as a cotton Young Farming Champion in the 2017 Art4Agriculture Young Farming Champions program.
Art4Agriculture and CRDC are recruiting Young Farming Champions who:
- Are passionate about the Australian Cotton industry;
- Want to share stories with urban Australians to improve understanding of sustainable food and fibre production, and in turn improve their own understanding of urban consumers;
- Are interested in being trained to speak confidently and charismatically to school students, the public and peers;
- Want to become part of a network of vibrant, young rural people who are encouraging consumers to value, be proud of and support the Australian farmers who feed and clothe them.
- Are aged between 19 and 35 years
“This first year of the YFC program was a fantastic experience. The workshops really make you think broader. I feel more confident in presenting myself and speaking to people with less scientific backgrounds about my role in the cotton industry. From presenting, speaking and developing your personal brand, to being able to take your message and translate it into one anyone can understand is so important. It allows me to engage with consumers and helps both in my role as an extension officer and when advocating my love of cotton and the broader agricultural industry.” Sharna Holman 2016 Cotton Young Farming Champion
ABOUT THE YOUNG FARMING CHAMPIONS PROGRAM
The Young Farming Champions (YFC) are identified youth ambassadors and future influencers working within the agriculture sector. The YFC promote positive images and perceptions of farming and engage in activities and innovative programs under the Art4Agriculture banner, such as The Archibull Prize. The YFC demonstrate passion for their industry, while providing real life examples to young people who may have never considered a career in agriculture. Because they are young they can relate to students and are adept at breaking down stereotypes of farming and agricultural careers.
Taking part in the YFC program involves undertaking two mandatory weekend Sydney based workshops, under the mentorship of some of Australia’s finest communication, marketing and professional development experts.
The program’s focus is developing confident, independent, reflective thinkers who can share their story and their personal experiences, while voicing their own opinions about agricultural issues in their industry and more broadly.
The program equips and prepares the participants for that often very daunting experience of standing up to be counted, even in difficult circumstances. The YFC leadership development model is providing the rock-solid foundation and pivotal stepping stones as part of a journey to lead agriculture’s next generation.
Through these workshops and the program’s lifetime mentorship opportunities, the YFC are also equipped with unique insights into all aspects of the agricultural supply chain as well as consumer attitudes and trends.
Being a YFC also comes with the opportunity to be part of The Archibull Prize, one of Australia’s most exciting school programs connecting agriculture and students. The YFC take their own agricultural stories into the classroom and mentor students and staff as they complete their Archibull research.
For further information on the program and to hear from other Young Farming Champions you can access the 2016 Young Farming Champions Report here
Please note
To qualify for the program applicants must be actively involved in the Australian Cotton Industry
If you believe you have the potential to be the face of the Australian cotton industry in schools CRDC would like to invite you to submit your Expression of Interest to be a 2017 Cotton Young Farming Champion by 10th February 2017
Contact Lynne Strong for EOI requirements.
E: lynnestrong@art4agriculture.com.au
M: 0407 740 446