Back to the beginning

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From the outset I wish to say how exciting it is to be back at BCG. When I moved to Birchip in 2001, fresh from the lecture theatres of Bill Malcolm, I intended to stay for twelve months and then move on to (perceived) bigger and better things – most likely internationally. As a twenty-two-year-old, working in the Mallee did not have the same ring as working overseas on trade deals with foreign grain buyers, which is what I thought was my destiny.

Despite this, I soon caught with the infectious BCG bug. For the next nine years, working and developing positive relationships with farmers, researchers, grains industry personnel and the grains sector at large became my core business. Subsequently, I took the opportunity to pursue a teaching career in the field of Agriculture at Tyrrell College in Sea Lake. This resulted in an extremely rewarding nine-year experience. Working with young people provided some highlights for me, I developed a deep understanding of the current pressures on the teaching profession and on the development of students; future farmers and agricultural specialists.

I am very much looking forward to my role in the next chapter of the BCG story. BCG has such a large part to play in our community, acting in many instances as an important conduit between research ideas and concepts and the reality of what happens on farm. It was heartening to return to a largely unchanged mission in which work is underpinned by the goal of supporting farmers across the generations to be viable and prosperous.

BCG has always generated a positive wave. The original drive and endeavour of the farmers who, 25 years ago, took a risk in starting the group still exists and is what makes BCG such a special organisation.  Whilst at times working in the Not-for Profit space places additional pressure on staff and collaborators to bring research dollars, it comes with the knowledge that every cent will be put to good use in supporting farmers in their decision-making and in improving the farm environment. This is a reward in itself, one which continues to motivate the team.

I am looking forward to meeting the many people who are co-operating with BCG as well as the farmers living and working in our communities. I aim to ensure that BCG continues its mission to be innovative and relevant.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and New Year break. It is important to reflect on the many achievements and celebrate the harvest of hard labour. The BCG Trials Review Day, to be held on the 14 February, will be an important day in the 2020 calendar.

I look forward to seeing you there, 

Fiona. 

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