Meet the Team: Kate Gifford 

What is your background? 

My name is Kate and I grew up on my family’s farm at Rostron, which is 20km out of St Arnaud towards Stawell. We run a mixed sheep and grain operation. My mum and dad run the farm, and my brother and I help out where we can. 

I studied at LaTrobe University where I achieved a Diploma in Mental Health Nursing. I live in Bendigo and have worked as a psychiatric nurse for nine years. I come home to the farm frequently – to me, the farm is like freedom. 

What is your role at BCG? 

My role at BCG is a harvest casual, and I’m part of the laboratory team. I will be conducting grain analysis tests on samples from harvested trials. 

What about the role interested you in applying? 

I was interested in the research side of the role. I’m a big-picture thinker and I love how our work here at BCG is bigger than just the grain we are testing; whatever we do here will benefit a farmer or their family.  

What are you looking forward to whilst working at BCG? 

During my time at BCG, I’m looking forward to meeting new people, creating networks within the industry and learning more about BCG – I hadn’t heard of the organisation before applying for this role, and I think the work BCG does has great positive impact on farms across the region. 

What are your interests outside of work? 

Outside of work, I love to play hockey, and I play for St Arnaud during the hockey season. I also have a keen interest in gardening, more specifically soil biodiversity. I enjoy improving the soil so that plants can thrive, instead of just survive.  

What’s next for you? 

I’m very passionate about my work as a psychiatric nurse, but I am looking for a change though I’m not sure what that looks like yet!