BCG is pleased to welcome Thomas Jones to the team in as Research Agronomist.
What is your background?
I was raised 10km west of Horsham on a small property in Quantong.
Prior to joining BCG, I had just finished Bachelor of Science which I completed at Horsham through Federation Universities. During my time at university, I focused on chemistry while completing agricultural electives. I also conducted research projects surrounding pharmaceutical pollution in rivers and its effects on the surrounding environment and the impacts of using treated wastewater on irrigated crops along the Wimmera River which was the first of its kind in the area. Pharmaceutical pollution is an emerging contaminant, that may cause significant issues in the future.
What is your role at BCG and what will you be doing?
My role at BCG is a Research Agronomist. This will initially involve spending most of my time supporting the team with their trials, until the start of the growing season in 2023 where I can conduct my own trials, until then I will be undertaking general operations including lab and field work. I am interested in conducting trials surrounding soil sciences.
What about the role interested you in applying?
I have always been interested in agriculture and have spent five harvests working at GrainCorp in Natimuk. I was attracted by BCG’s reputation and history for delivering high quality trials and research, which suited me as I have an interest in research and improving farming systems. I believe BCG is a great place to work… with the added benefit of the bakery just down the road. The job also has a good mix between indoor and outdoor work which appeals to me.
What are your interests outside work?
In my spare time I enjoy woodworking, fishing, watching most sports and spending time outside.
What are you looking forward to whilst working at BCG?
I’m looking forward to the diversity of the research that is taking place, also learning as much as I can about trial farming systems and agronomy and how these can help farmers continue to be profitable. I’m also looking forward to talking with farmers to better understand their needs to inform research.
