STOCK JOURNAL | Discipline and commitment: how a military mindset lifts the harvest
Former Australian Defence Force personnel are putting their military training and experience to work on Australian grain farms, helping growers meet seasonal workforce demands while finding new opportunities in agriculture.
In an article published by Stock Journal, retired Navy Commander Garry Kennedy and Lieutenant Colonel Garry Spencer share their experiences working in grain production and helping other veterans transition into agricultural roles.
The article highlights the work of Veterans Supporting Ag, an initiative supported by Grain Producers Australia (GPA), which provides practical training at Longerenong Agricultural College in Victoria to prepare former service personnel for harvest and other farm operations.
Mr Spencer said GPA had supported the initiative from its early stages, with the program now delivering training courses and on-farm experience to help veterans develop the skills needed to operate agricultural machinery safely and effectively.
The initiative demonstrates how the discipline, planning, logistical experience and commitment to safety developed through military service can help address workforce shortages across Australian agriculture, while providing veterans with meaningful employment opportunities.
Comments