Agronomist farm chat
Our VegNET Gippsland Regional Development Officer Bonnie Dawson caught up with Alex Keith, Agronomist at Bulmer Farms- from the importance of work-life balance to how she landed a job she loves in the Lindenow Valley, here’s what they covered…
Alex Keith - Agronomist @ Bulmer farms
Tell me about Bulmer Farms, and your role as an agronomist. What does this involve - what are your responsibilities?
My daily responsibilities are based around scouting for any signs of pests and disease, creating the spray and nutrition program, and a weekly crop report. I’m also the main point of contact with seed reps who are regularly conducting trials on the farm. This gives me an opportunity to contribute to the selection of varieties for each season.
How did you first become involved in horticulture – what led you to the position you’re in today?
Well, I first wanted to be a vet!
After school I studied a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at the University of Sydney, and was planning to transfer across to Veterinary Science.
However, I decided to stick with Ag Science.
After university, I got a job as a Field Officer for VegCo in Bairnsdale, which introduced me to intensive horticulture, as well as East Gippsland. It also introduced me to Andrew Bulmer. I then moved back to NSW to complete a Ph.D about the use of Biochar and during a visit for a friend’s wedding back in Bairnsdale I caught up with Andrew and told him that once I finished my Ph.D, I’d be looking for a job again.
By the time I was home, he’d offered me a job!
What opportunities have been presented to you (e.g., have you been overseas on study tours/been to conferences and events/completed any courses etc.)?
Yes, I travelled to Europe with AUSVEG’s Women in Hort tour. I’ve also participated in the industry’s Growing Leaders program and the University of Tasmania’s Masterclass in Horticultural Business.
These were all really beneficial opportunities to network and see outside the bubble of one business.
What do you enjoy the most about working in the horticulture industry?
I really appreciate the diversity of jobs that are in my role and that I’m able to work inside and outside. I enjoy that in my role I can interact with people outside of the business, and that the industry feels like a community that you’re a part of.
From a female perspective, how do you think women can be encouraged to enter the horticulture industry? What advice would you have for women who are looking for a career in, for example, research or the vegetable industry?
There’s no barrier. If you want to do it, do it.
What do you see the role and potential of VegNET Strategy to be? In terms of research and development, what do you think is vital to the vegetable industry right now?
The role of VegNET is extension – to connect growers to research and development as they often lack the time to find that research themselves, and it can link lots of different sources of information, for example in the newsletter.
The industry really needs to prioritise looking for more technological solutions to growing to reduce the need for intensive labour.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
I prioritise staying fit by cycling, running and competing in triathlons during summer (Alex is a National Champion!), spending time in my garden which of course includes a veggie garden, as well as an orchard and chickens. Then the weekend is over!
Is there anything else you wish to add that may be of interest to growers or veg industry members?
I really think everyone should prioritise having a good work-life balance.
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Alex is part of the Regional Extension Advisory Group (REAG)
REAG has overseen the development of VegNET’s Regional Extension Strategy for the next five years. The Group meets once a quarter, in person if possible, to advise and inform the delivery of the projects that have been developed. Each of the members are also really helpful between these meetings by acting as a ‘sounding board’ for the VegNET Regional Development Officer, providing insight into the industry and emerging issues, challenges and opportunities.
One of the two Technical Advisors in REAG is Alex Keith, Bulmer Farms’ Agronomist.
Other current members of the REAG are Matt Zagami, Frank Nobile, Steven Covino and Noel Jansz, but the search is on for one more grower or industry representative to contribute their perspective
Is that you ? Please contact Bonnie Dawson if you’re interested in joining the Regional Extension Advisory Group (REAG).
