Gemma Nunn
In an industry that prides itself on sustainable water use , managing irrigation to deliver maximum efficiency and growing conditions is an important role . Working as a technical officer at Century Orchards , Gemma spends a good part of her days out and about in the orchard collecting water data and other vital information . She ’ s also regularly out inspecting the orchards to ensure they ’ re in tip-top condition for growing the best quality almonds . Raised on her family ’ s farms in the Mallee and South East of SA , Gemma ’ s upbringing instilled a love of agriculture that led her to study a Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences . As part of her studies , she undertook several internships across a number of ag industries , including almonds – where she ’ s focused her career ever since . The industry ’ s continual growth and innovation is one of its main drawcards , along with the collaborative approach between growers and others in the industry working in partnership to deliver new ideas for positive change . “ I love that the industry is challenging and continually evolving , searching for new solutions , becoming more sustainable and adopting new ag tech .”
Melissa Macfarlane
The variety of daily tasks and the people she meets is what Melissa loves about her role in the almond industry . As the second in charge at the ABA ’ s Almond Centre for Excellence ( ACE ) Orchard in Loxton , Melissa has been in the industry for 10 years . After growing up on her family ’ s dryland farm in Kooloonong , Victoria , she started as an orchard hand and enjoyed the hands-on work . Over time , and with plenty of support from her mentors , she moved up into management positions and gained a wealth of experience and knowledge . An openness to new technologies and the ongoing pursuit of best practice improvements are two of the main strengths she sees in the almond industry . She enjoys that each day is different . Dedpendent on the weather and the time of the season , she can be doing anything from tractor work to irrigation , managing contractors or working with other ABA staff on a multitude of projects . And then there ’ s the 1.5 acres of lawn to be mowed ( probably the most satisfying job of all !).
“ I love the variety this role brings not only for the differing day to day tasks but also working with and meeting people from all different areas of the industry .”
“ I love that the industry is challenging and continually evolving , searching for new solutions , becoming more sustainable and adopting new ag tech .”
industry . australianalmonds . com . au
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