Youth in Ag get together at Yarrawonga

The Riverine Plains Youth in Ag dinner was held at The Sebel, Yarrawonga, with the support of 2023 Youth in Ag Program partners, Elders and Corteva Agriscience.

The night was an excellent opportunity for young farmers, agribusiness professionals and students to get together and connect with like-minded people from across the region, while also receiving early-career advice from business leaders and Riverine Plains Scholarship Program recipients.

Event organiser and Riverine Plains Project Officer, Rhiannan McPhee, was thrilled at the night’s success.

“There was so much energy in the room and a real buzz as people made the most of the time to socialise, meet new people and create connections,” she said.

“One of the highlights was hearing Sam Whiting, Elders, who shared his journey from growing up on a farm in southwest Victoria, to a career in banking overseas, through to his return to Geelong to take up a position as Elders State Finance and Operations Manager,” explained Ms McPhee.

“Sam’s message about not needing to have your career all figured out from day one and to allow yourself the time to figure out your strengths, passions, as well as likes and dislikes, really resonated,” said Ms McPhee.

Corteva Agriscience Marketing Director, Dan Dixon, also joined the proceedings via video link, explaining the importance of investing in young people to support the future of the agriculture industry.

The evening included the official presentation of the 2022 Riverine Plains Scholarship Program recipients, with James White (John Hanrahan Scholar), Sam Marshall (Uncle Tobys Scholar), and Reily Menhenett (Corteva Agriscience Scholar) each speaking about how they are using their scholarships to further their education and practical experiences in their chosen fields.

After the official presentations were over, local live band Scott and Amanda ensured the dance floor was full until close.

“Riverine Plains is really passionate about supporting young people in agriculture to achieve their full potential and it was just wonderful to see people enjoying the night on so many levels”, said Ms McPhee.

“We hope everyone enjoyed themselves and we are already looking forward to planning next year’s event,” she concluded.