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11/05/2023
There’s nothing that quite compares to the energy in the room when the newly selected Nuffield scholars from across the world all gather for the first time at the week-long global Contemporary Scholar Conference.
For Rob Bradley, a Nuffield Scholar and current Chair of the Nuffield Board, it’s a heartening reminder of Nuffield’s influence in helping empower an industry.
“The sharing of information, experiences and knowledge, there’s a real buzz in the room, and it’s always such a pleasure seeing participants so passionate about contributing to ag, for the betterment of the whole industry.”
Nuffield Australia awards scholarships to Australian farmers annually, with the objective of increasing practical farming knowledge, management skills and techniques through an international on-farm study tour, researching their topic of choice.
Awarded his scholarship in 2009, which was sponsored by Rabobank, Rob studied the integration of livestock and cropping farming systems, and had the opportunity to travel the world, researching and experiencing how international farmers managed their livestock and cropping operations in unison.
Rob and his wife Jo operate Bradley Agriculture, an extensive farming business in Northern Tasmania that includes a 1200 cow dairy, prime lamb production and irrigated cropping of high value crops including seed carrots, peas and poppies.
Since his scholarship, Rob has put much of his learning into practice, integrating both stock and cropping on the one land mass, largely through the introduction of more perennial crops into the system.
“Our aim was to build a business where livestock and crops can both support each other, and through integrated practices we now have a greater capacity to build nitrogen and organic matter into the soils through pastures, that equally benefit our livestock.”
Over the past decade, and thanks in part to Rob’s Nuffield learnings, the Bradleys have been able to grow their livestock component, without jeopardising their strong cropping operation.
However the overarching benefit of the scholarship was, Rob believes, the confidence he gained personally.
“Seeing people across the world doing really interesting things, and the realisation that they are everyday farmers just like me, gave me enormous confidence to know that I have the capacity to make change.”
From scholar to mentor
Having gained so much out of the experience, Rob was inspired to give back, and has been on the Nuffield Board for the past seven years, presiding as the Chair for the past four.
“Nuffield opened up lots of doors for me, and provided a platform for personal growth, so it’s a pleasure to now be able to contribute back to the program.”
His role on the Board also provides further opportunities to continue building skills in governance, public speaking and leadership.
“We never stop learning, and I’m really grateful to have had this chance to continue upskilling and developing personally, even 14 years on from my scholarship – that’s the power of Nuffield Australia.”
Rob’s greatest Nuffield pride and pleasure comes from following the journey of scholars nationally.
“Some return to their businesses and community and embark upon significant change and industry impact, while others return home and just get on with the job of running a really good farming business,” he says.
“The common denominator is that scholars all tend to finish their scholarship refreshed and reinvigorated with ideas, with many keen to contribute back to the industry.”
“Whether that’s by developing regional irrigation schemes, sitting on local councils or simply helping on a community organisation, Nuffield really encouraged contribution and helps build capacity in the Australian ag community and industry.”
Applications now open, and encouraged
With applications for a 2024 Nuffield Scholarship currently open, closing June 9, Rob encouraged those considering to put their hat in the ring.
“Everyone thinks they don’t have time for something like this, but whoever has enough time? This is a program that you don’t want to miss out on, and affords a once in a lifetime opportunity to build skills, knowledge and networks that you’ll have for the rest of your life.”
To apply for a Nuffield Scholarship go to www.nuffield.com.au