LEADAg stands for Leading, Educating and Developing the next generation of the agricultural workforce.
agricultural education
.& mentoring
LEADAg addresses the lack of opportunity for young people to gain practical, hands-on training and skills to make them employable as well as exposure to the opportunities within agriculture. Participation in the program provides young people with fundamental skills and support from industry mentors. Not only do they benefit from the skills development but also build the confidence and capacity to choose a career in the agricultural industry.
LEADAg 2024
In 2024, CHRRUP is running two LEADAg programs. One program for 15 to 17 year-olds (LEADAg Youth) and one program for 18 to 30 year-olds (LEADAg Plus).
LEADAg Youth
Applications have closed for 2024.
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For 15 to 17 year-olds keen to learn more about agriculture, and follow an agriculture career pathway.
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Week 1 of the program took place in the Central Highlands region in July. The activities included;
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Rural and remote first aid certificate with Impulse Training
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Working dog handling and low stress cattle handling at Hillview Station, Clermont
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Presentations on biosecurity, workplace personality types & AgCAREERSTART
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Sessions at a local cotton farm to learn about processes involved in growing crops
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Tours of; Allied Beef's Vandyke Feedlot,
SwarmFarm, Emerald sale yards, Costa Farms, SunWater's Fairbairn Dam facility and Emerald Cotton Gin.
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Week 2 will take place in September 2024. Families of participants are invited to attend a small graduation ceremony on the final day of the program in Longreach, Saturday 21st September.
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As this program is residential, accommodation and meals are provided.
No prior agriculture experience is required to apply.
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The 2024 LEADAg Youth program is generously supported by the Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network (QAWN), an initiative of the Department of Agriculture
and Fisheries, and The Local Buying Foundation.
The 2024 LEADAg Youth cohort visiting Swarm Farm Robotics near Gindie in July 2024.
LEADAg Plus
Applications have closed for 2024.
For 18 to 30 year-olds who are keen to build your agricultural skills, meet potential employers and follow an agriculture career pathway.
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LEADAg Plus is a two-week program offered in two different locations, Longreach and Tambo.
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Week 1 of the program took place in the Longreach region in June. The activities included;
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Wool handling and shearing training with AWI trainers
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Livestock husbandry and handling, including goats and cattle
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Biosecurity and animal anatomy
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WQLX Saleyards and holding facility tour
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AgCAREERSTART presentation
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Pasture management
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Animal nutrition, breeding and genetics
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Week 2 will take place in the Tambo region in August 2024.
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Thanks to generous sponsorship from RESQ+, there is no cost to attend the LEADAg Plus program. No prior agriculture experience is required to apply.
The 2024 LEADAg Plus cohort at one of the host properties South of Longreach in June 2024.
LEADAg Youth 2023
The LEADAg initiative was extended to a comprehensive, three week course in 2023. One-week blocks were held in April, June and September throughout the Emerald and Longreach regions. See the positive feedback from this year's participants in the video below.
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The LEADAg Youth program 2023 was funded by the Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network, the Local Buying Foundation and SQNNSW Innovation Hub.
LEADAg Pilot program
The LEADAg pilot program was funded by the Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network, an initiative of the Queensland Government.
Pilot Student Testimonials
