Ryan Hunt is just one of the scores of youth returning to rural Australia, keen to forge a meaningful career, without having compromising on lifestyle.
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And this 25-year-old pump and irrigation specialist is keen to see other young professionals follow suit.
“I literally have a two-minute commute to work each day, which allows me a huge lifestyle benefit as opposed to working in the city, and I get to work outdoors in an industry where every day is different,” he said.
A former professional Motocross racer, Ryan believes he’s fortunate to have everything necessary in his rural community to continue racing, and is adamant that a career in ag offers more in the way of not only job opportunities, but lifestyle.
While the current dry season has gained the attention of the nation, there is still plenty of optimism in the agricultural industry, with the latest offering from the ‘Join the Ag Revolution’ campaign focusing on Ryan’s stellar career path in the Moree district.
READ MORE: It’s time to ‘Join the Ag Revolution’
In a short video released to social media, Ryan outlines the diversity of his role and the benefits of working in the rural sector.
Gwydir Valley Irrigators Association Executive Officer, Zara Lowien said promoting career profile’s such as Ryan’s was a vital tool to help educate graduates on career opportunities, while showcasing the irrigation industry.
“Celebrating the irrigation industry’s huge inroads in efficiencies and innovation is paramount in helping bridge the vast knowledge gap between rural and urban audiences,” Mrs Lowien said.
“Roles such as Ryan’s will be imperative for future sustainability - accurately knowing how much water you have and where it is on-farm, is crucial to managing today’s complex irrigation businesses and helps to efficiently manage crop water needs through the season.
“Irrigation is always changing, whilst there was a concentration on moving to over-head and drip technology, which still has its place, enhancing our surface water systems will remain important in areas like the Gwydir where water reliability is generally low.
“Innovations such as real time water measurement across a farm and irrigation automation are currently in the testing phase - irrigations specialists such as Ryan will be vital to help service these exciting growth areas.”
Ryan’s role involves the provision of technical support and ensuring local producers have the best available commercial technology, Mrs Lowien credits this cutting-edge position for the region’s high update on metering and on-farm water management devices.
“Every irrigator in NSW will need someone with Ryan’s skills to ensure they are compliant with NSW water measurement policy into the future,” Ms Lowien said.
“Water efficiency gains in both the cotton irrigation and horticulture sector in the Gwydir region would not have been possible if not for smart water technology, and we need to continue to push efficiencies further if we are to build Australian agriculture to a $100B industry by 2030.
“Ensuring irrigators make the most of every drop will continue to be increasingly important to feed and clothe the world, and in the Gwydir Valley we are proud to be leading the way.”
Ryan is equally proud to be contributing to an industry that is so significant to the local and national economy, while committed to a more sustainable future.
“Rural Australia is my home and the fact that I can work here, in an industry full of opportunity, enjoying a lifestyle I love, is pretty awesome.”
See Facebook/jointheagrevolution to see Ryan's video, shot by Rabbit Hop Films, and keep up to date with industry developments.
