BCG is delighted to welcome Matthew Lade to the team as a research agronomist!
What is your background?
I grew up in Wodonga, finished school in 2020 and have completed a Bachelor of Agriculture Science at La Trobe University, Bundoora.
What is your role at BCG and what will you be doing?
My role at BCG will be as a Research Agronomist. In this role I will initially be spending my time undertaking general operations including work in the lab and in the field. I will also be supporting the team with delivering trials and will be taking on some trials to manage myself.
What about the role interested you in applying?
I have always had an interest in agriculture, which I think was sparked by visiting my grandparents cropping farm when I was younger. This intrigue developed while at university and during the time I spent working on a farm for four harvest seasons. I was attracted to BCG because of its reputation for delivering quality research and trials that are relevant to farmers in the region, helping to improve farming practices and management. The fact that BCG is a not-for-profit and an independent that conducts research with no company bias towards any particular products or crop varieties also stood out to me as it meant I wouldn’t have to worry about inclinations towards particular products affecting decision making or outcomes for the sake of increasing product sales. The blend of indoor work and outdoor field tasks involved in the role also appealed to me as I enjoy doing a bit of both.
What do you hope to achieve in your role?
I hope to apply the research skills and theoretical knowledge I have learnt at university to larger scale real world trials and research, as well as continue to expand my skills and knowledge throughout my time in the role, so that I can acquire the capabilities to produce high quality research and results that help to positively impact farming. I also hope to gain a lot of valuable experience and make beneficial connections within the agricultural community.
What are your interests outside work?
I enjoy camping, fishing and a bit of light four-wheel-driving that doesn’t put my cars bodywork at risk.
What are you looking forward to whilst working at BCG?
I am looking forward to working with the BCG team and drawing on their knowledge and experience to help me learn through on-the-job development. I am keen to build my skills and knowledge in all things agricultural research, as well as gain experience in all the methods and expertise needed in the job and wider industry. I look forward to learning new things, meeting new people, and making new connections.
