The Archibull Prize Update

Although lockdown has certainly provided some challenges with the completion of the Archibull Prize, we have been lucky enough to continue some of our research by connecting with our Young Farming Champion, Franny Earp through Zoom.

Franny is passionate about food security, global development and female farmer empowerment. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Animal and Veterinary Bioscience. Following that she moved to Laos to live and work there for two agricultural development programs working on beef production and animal health. She is now living in Cairns completing her Masters in Global Development and her PhD in female farmer empowerment. She is very excited to work with us in our research of women in agriculture.

On Tuesday 7th September, we participated in our first online forum speaking with Franny as well as Dr Dione Howard, Tayla Field and Dr Danila Marini about Food Security, Food production and STEM and Technology through the perspective of women.

Dione is a District Veterinarian based in Wagga Wagga, NSW. She works with the Riverina Local Land Services. She is also a sixth generation farmer and has inherited her father and grandfather’s enthusiasm for sheep and wool. She completed her Veterinary degree at Charles Sturt University.

Tayla was born and raised in Inner West Sydney. She found her love and excitement for agriculture during her university studies. While she enjoyed all elements of the agricultural sector, she was most excited by agronomy. She is passionate about getting food from paddock to plate.

Danila was raised in the city of Adelaide before realising a passion for agriculture. Danila completed a Bachelor of Animal Science at Adelaide University followed by a PhD at the University of New England.

The forum was a fantastic opportunity to hear from such inspiring women who have forged career paths for themselves in industries which are male-dominated. They shared stories of their journeys, the challenges they have faced and why they love working in agriculture.

We cannot wait to continue working on this project and look forward to showing off our finished project!

Ms Brown, Gifted Education/Newman Coordinator