Agribusiness skills core to understanding growth

Bartels herb farm. (lt–rt): Alex Tomazos, Michael McManus, Jack Bartels James Ridge, Tom Hickman, Ben Daley during a visit to Australian Fresh Leaf Herbs.

Jack Bartels has spent the last two years honing his agribusiness skills on a levy-funded scholarship at Marcus Oldham College, Geelong, Victoria. He reflects on what he learnt and how it is helping him in his new working life as a Sales Manager at Sumitomo Chemical.

Marcus Oldham has changed my approach to the job of growing apples. Before undertaking the Associate Degree in Agribusiness, I could walk onto an orchard knowing the basics behind growing to get the best crop. Now I am more able to look at the bigger picture, and see beyond the orchard to understand the market into which those apples will be sold; how they will be marketed; how to add value; how to manage the costs; and how to seize opportunities that may arise.

The broadening of support networks has also been amazing – my 100 classmates are spread across the Australian agriculture and horticulture industries and I am also still in contact with the incredible teaching staff, all of whom I can turn to for help and advice.

Lessons learnt; value created

The Associate Degree in Agribusiness gave me the opportunity to travel to China, Hong Kong and New Zealand. Going to China allowed me to see the market from a customer’s perspective and understand the cultural and customary differences associated with business meetings – an insight that has already proven fruitful in my new role at Sumitomo Chemical, a Japanese company.

Similarly, the tour of New Zealand showed how successful the industry can be when a focus on export is developed. Less than 15 per cent of New Zealand’s agricultural products are consumed domestically, however, they have created a booming industry with a key focus on creating the highest quality products they can.

Everything at Marcus Oldham is taught in a practical manner through farm visits, international tours and real-world, in-class examples. Tours were well-integrated with classroom-based skills in accounting, finance, marketing, production, human resources and leadership and I have already used many of the market analysis tools and techniques in my new role.

Being a Marcus Oldham graduate puts you in a great position to develop leadership within the agricultural sector. I’ve learnt that leadership doesn’t have to come from outgoing personalities, however, all good leaders have great people skills, make others in the team feel valued and therefore get the best out of everyone. Dealing with a range of individuals, with differing personalities, is a big part of my new role where my focus includes helping growers get the most value out of their crop. The skills I learnt in dealing and negotiating with individuals have been invaluable.

Reflections on studying

Applying for the apple and pear industry’s New Horizons Scholarship has been the greatest decision I’ve ever made. Without the financial help of the New Horizons Scholarship I would not have been able to afford an opportunity like this.

I would strongly encourage anyone who is interested in a career in the horticulture industry to participate in any skills and development opportunities offered to them. Knowledge is like air, it’s vital to life.

Acknowledgement:

The New Horizons Scholarships were made available through a partnership between Marcus Oldham College, Hort Innovation and APAL. This project has now concluded. To view current levy-funded leadership initiatives visit the Hort Frontiers Leadership Fund page.