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development and deployment of new knowledge – and research and innovation are fundamental and important contributors. As a nation, understanding the need for talent diversity in agri- culture is crucial. If we are earnest about the promise and poten- tial of this fast growing industry, which is also the world’s oldest and largest, then we surely should fully commit to the development of skills and knowledge at a high school, vocational training, and higher education level. If Australia is to maintain its position as an effective food pro- ducer, and if we are to contribute meaningfully to the productivity increases required to feed a grow- ing global population, prioritising the skills and professionalism of the people who make up the food supply chain, through education, is of utmost importance.
questions, and embrace change. Interpreting market information and keeping up with global trends is critical. Other skills required by managers in the rural sector include the ability to forecast de- mand and prices for inputs with increased accuracy and to bench- mark their products and systems against other producers. Major technological develop- ments in future years will have an impact on the world of work. Important for managers of the future will be demonstration of their flexibility and adaptabil- ity so they can cope with future workplace changes. Managers should adopt the concept of ‘life- long learning’. In addition to education and training, research and innovation are important to ensure gains for the agricultural sector. As an ex- ample, those involved in farm- ing pursue more productive and sustainable use of land, and this can only be achieved through the
complex decisions to achieve a profit during challenging times. Many skills can be learned on the job, but the development of the high-level cognitive think- ing needed for sophisticated and effective management decision making is best learned off-farm. Agricultural managers now need to be highly skilled and university degree qualified. The multitude of information available to managers in the agri- cultural sector continues to in- crease. As managers, they need to be competent in analysing and interpreting information in a pro- ficient manner. Managers should seek to embrace information technology and consider advan- ces in production, mechanical, and biological technologies. To be successful, managers can benefit from good numeracy skills for tasks like applying for loans, and solid literacy skills to be across a large range of print information. Time management, networking capabilities, and interpersonal traits are core ele- ments of an effective manager. Successful managers are skilled in negotiating contracts and deals and can accurately develop business plans and monitor expenditure. Leading farmers are effective at assess- ing situations where there are risk-reward dynamics. They discard outdated cultures and practices, such as resistance to new technology, which are known to make their business vulnerable. Effective managers are curious to dissect problems, willing to ask
Dr Simon Livingstone (L) is Deputy Chairman and Luciano Mesiti (R) is Chief Executive Officer of the Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia.
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