T H E B AROSSA MAG | 15
Taking stock
of talent
WORDS BY TODD KUCHEL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN KRÜGER
Beaming with pride and fulfilment, Sam Neumann sits beside
me after the experience of a lifetime, expanding her knowledge
and expectations of her chosen profession on the other side
of the world.
With a passion derived from her family’s wheat and wool
property, Sam studied to be a wool classer after completing
school. From here she spent time within the agricultural
industry, before moving into alternate industries, for further
experience and diverse exposure.
Eventually Sam, seeking a way back to her roots in agriculture,
joined Elders national agency, where she moved through roles,
to her current position within the National Agency team.
As e-commerce coordinator, Sam identifies, designs and
develops technology based solutions to make remote and
regional clients feel more connected with the markets and
to enable Elders’ staff to be seen as relevant and responsive
stock and station agents.
Feeling the need to learn about beef and beef production
to excel in her new role, Sam went looking for opportunities
and found the Angus Australia scholarship to Kansas State.
Upon opening the application, Sam found the first question
asked for her involvement with the Angus breed and closed
it immediately. Sam had no prior experience.
The extension officer later called Sam, asking if she intended
on completing the application.
After explaining that she could not answer the first question,
Sam was encouraged to apply.
Sam admits laughing it off at the time, thinking that it was
simply a case of ratio target they hadn’t met, or that they were
just looking for extra applicants. For that reason Sam believes
she was a little casual in her interview. A week later she was
called and offered the scholarship.
“It was a bit of a whirlwind,” Sam admits. “First, it was difficult
to get a visa and when I finally did, I was on the plane the
next week.”
Sam had her first class the day after she arrived. However,
thanks to incredible teaching facilities and educators who are
so invested in the success of their students, Sam found it easy
to adapt.
“There’s something incredibly empowering about having
nothing on your agenda besides having to learn,” Sam explains.
“I was so blessed by the experience.”
Sam was surprised by the overwhelming generosity and
acceptance of Americans. Numerous times, upon meeting
farmers, professors and business owners, Sam was happily
welcomed into their operations.