It would be hard to find someone more passionate about agriculture than Lucy Collingridge. Unlike so many others in the industry, she didn't grow up on a farm. In fact, it wasn't until she was 15 that she took on her first active role in ag. In the 15 years since, she has packed in a lot. Her titles have included Jillaroo, Station Hand and Biosecurity Officer. In between, she spends her time volunteering to speak with school children – a lot of them from the city – to inspire them to pursue farming. She truly believes, if you eat food and wear clothes, you are already involved in agriculture, so it's easy to take the next step to make a career out of it. Today we discuss:
- Lucy's favourite place on the land out of all the incredible locations she has worked.
- How Lucy, at the age of 15, became involved on a farm and fell in love with agriculture.
- Along with a Bachelor of Agriculture and a Graduate Certificate, she shares her stint as a Jillaroo on a Fine Wool Merino Stud.
- The impact of Agricultural Shows and the Young Judges Competitions.
- How events like the Showgirl Competition (renamed the Young Woman of the Year), and the Rural Achiever Awards have changed Lucy's life.
- Lucy has spoken to 1000 kids and counting. One of her key messages - you don't have to be involved in farming to be involved in agriculture.
- The misconceptions within the agricultural industry and opportunities for the next generation.
- Lucy's research specifically in biodiversity and sustainability.
- The people in the industry is the reason Lucy gets out of bed each day.
- Her adventures on the land and some of the most unexpected moments.
- Most common misconception about life on the land.
- Lucy's ultimate dream for the future.
We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.
Links:
Angie Asimus
Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram
Partnered with Australian Farmers
Follow @australianfarmers On Instagram
Cootamundra Show @CootamundraShow
Royal Agricultural Society of NSW @RASofNSW
DPI - @NSWDPI.Biosec
Young Farming Champions - @Young Farming Champions
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