Dr Anika Molesworth, Young Farmer of the Year and a Founding Director of the Farmers for Climate Action spoke recently at BCG’s Climate Change student workshop at Birchip P – 12 College.
Both students and Dr Anika enjoyed the workshop which was funded through the BCG managed North West Broadacre node of the Victorian Drought Resilience, Adoption and Innovation Hub and the Federal Government’s Future Drought Fund.
“It was wonderful to speak with the next generation of food producers and consumers at the Birchip P-12 school,” Dr Anika said. “The students were highly engaged and asked great questions. It’s important to engage with youth, because we need creative and critical thinkers, who thinking deeply, ask questions and challenge the status-quo. I greatly enjoyed being involved with the workshop and the future looks bright with these young people!”
The Young Farmer of the Year engaged with the 35 students from years 9 – 12, outlining her background in agriculture, how she found her passion for farming and climate action and how she uses these passions to inspire others to make an impact.
A scientist and farmer based in Broken Hill, NSW, Dr Anika encouraged the attentive students to pursue their passions, surround themselves with supportive networks, say yes to opportunities and push beyond their own comfort levels. She used examples of her experiences studying abroad, studying via distance education and finding a network of likeminded climate activists to feel supported to drive her message home.
Dr Anika urged students to consider a career in agriculture, an industry with endless opportunities and experiences.
Discussions led to the specific on-farm practices that Dr Molesworth has employed on her own farming business to limit emissions and demonstrate an active role in climate activism, questions surrounding fossil fuels on farm, how technology could progress climate action and influence policy makers.
