Local students had their eyes opened to the vast possibilities in agriculture during the Agricultural Bureau of South Australia's 2024 Spirit of Excellence Awards.

The Ag Bureau, with its long-standing history since 1888, continues to connect sustainable communities through around 60 branches across the state, where farmers exchange ideas, practices, challenges and bridge the gap between science and farming,

Their Spirit of Excellence Awards provides young people in rural South Australia with opportunities for personal and professional development.

Member for Light, Tony Piccolo MP, initiated a program to bring schools to the awards event to provide students with firsthand experience of the innovative projects and success stories within the agricultural industry.

Trinity College’s Noah McKiggan, Fred James and Gawler and District College’s Daniel O'Reilly and Jasmine Reid all accompanied Mr Piccolo, who said it was a valuable learning opportunity for the students and teachers alike.

“Last year’s scholarship award winners discussed their projects, with Emma Faint reviewing how to improve soil biology while Lourens analysed how to improve viticulture practices,” said Mr Piccolo.

“Hearing these pioneers in the agricultural world certainly ignites a passion for sustainable practices in the next generation.

“These awards are an opportunity to recognise excellence and it’s incredibly rewarding to see our young students inspired by the current work in agriculture.”

Trinity student Noah said he “found it interesting to hear about the individual projects of the award finalists."

Fellow pupil Fred said, “It was good to see the community that this event and the Ag Bureau brought together and facilitated, even when there is a tough season happening and some people are stressed about their income."

Trinity teacher Chad Ramsey also attended, highlighting the educational value of the event and bright, youthful ideas shared.

“I thought it was excellent to see encouragement from industry for producers to look at sustainability in farming practices,” said Mr Ramsey.

“I also found the individual projects to be inspiring, making me really think about what improved sustainability practices we could employ at the College farm.”

The 2024 award winners, Tim Paschke from Waikerie and Emily Weir from Macclesfield, will be exploring how to improve dry farming practices and the cheese fermentation process, respectively.

While Mr Piccolo is looking forward to hear next year’s project reports, he also paid homage to Ag Bureau Chair Janette Ridgway after announcing she will be stepping down from the role.

“The bureau, which is governed by a very hardworking six-member board, provides members with learning opportunities through the sharing of information and knowledge,” said Mr Piccolo.

“Janette has been a tireless supporter of the bureau and the agriculture sector in general, and I thank her for her contribution to our state.”

Ms Ridgway thanked State Government, the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, South Australia (PIRSA) and the Department for Environment and Water for their continued support and all those who attended another fantastic awards night.

“The Spirit of Excellence Awards, is an initiative to create an opportunity for the young people, living and working in rural South Australia, and the younger generation of farmers to apply for funding to enable them to pursue opportunities for personal and professional development to benefit their communities,” said Ms Ridgeway.

“The quality of applications this year was outstanding.

“Each finalist’s application demonstrated a very clear vision and the judging panel had the difficult task of narrowing down the exceptional candidates to just two winners.”

To find out more about Ag Bureau, the awards and how to become a member or apply for a scholarship, visit www.agbureau.com.au