Future pillars will retain young: scholar

THE agricultural industry must commit to three key issues to attract and retain young people.

Serpentine’s Macey Holland has advocated for the commitment in this week’s Listen up: Young people’s perspective on the future of Australian agriculture and rural industries report.

The 2023 AgriFutures Horizon’s scholar said the issues were social through enjoyment, enough money in the industry to make a living and what expense to look after the environment.

She says industry must demonstrate its commitment in the three areas if it expects to attract and retain people, representing a radical generational shift from her parents and grandparents.

“This is about more than just perceptions of agriculture,” she said. “When I finish my degree, I want to pursue a career involving trade and sustainable resource management.

“However, I am also really passionate about building relationships between rural and metropolitan communities.

“A main goal of mine is to educate those who are not familiar with farming or farm-related practices and promote the agriculture industry with honesty and transparency

“I believe part of our role as scholars is to educate the younger generation. Funding for scholars to do more school talks would be awesome, maybe a couple of representatives from each state and territory to do some school tours, catered to each school’s level of knowledge of the industry.”

Shire weed fund cash rises $10,000

THE State Government’s grant for managing roadside weeds in the Loddon Shire has been increased by $10,000.

This year’s $85,000 grant is the first rise in a decade.

Mayor Dan Straub said: “The grant will help council execute control activities aimed at man-

Young speakers vie for Lions title

aging weeds and pests along roadsides. Council has been advocating for an increase in funding that it had said only “allows for a narrow control plan.”

Almost $3 million has been allocated by the State Government to councils this year for weed control.

STUDENTS at Raywood Primary School and East Loddon P12 College have vied for the next stage in the East Loddon Lions junior public speaking competition.

Heats for students in Years 3 to 6 were conducted last term ahead of club finals planned for later this month.

East Loddon students to progress to the final were Talia Smith, Campbell Harcourt, Emily

Birthisel, Hazel Phillips, Ruby Hocking, Emily Lister and Abby Smith.

Judges for the East Loddon heats were John and Felicity Davidson and Loddon Herald editor Chris Earl.

Representing Raywood will be Skylar Burton, Mia Blake, Lily Dean, Kiara Blake, Link Zurkas and Piper Davey.

WHAT THE STUDENTS SAID - PAGE 13

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