In this episode of GRDC in Conversation, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Ashley Amourgis, General Manager of Southern Farming Systems, just west of Geelong. 

Growing up on a dairy farm near Deloraine in Tasmania, Ashley developed a deep appreciation for agriculture as a way of life. That grounding has shaped her journey into the grains industry, where she now works at the intersection of research, extension and farming systems in Victoria’s high rainfall zone. 

Ashley shares her pathway from university uncertainty and early rejection to nearly a decade in grains, reflecting on confidence, mentorship and stepping into leadership. 

The conversation explores nitrogen management in high rainfall environments, the importance of long-term Farming Systems research, the role of drainage in transforming southwest Victoria, and why every farm requires context rather than cookie cutter advice. 

Ashley also offers advice for young professionals entering agriculture and explains why, despite advances in AI and technology, people remain at the heart of the industry. 

Watch highlights from this episode as a video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bMjm1-wQzMQ

More information:

Farming systems project to inform decision making for southern growers https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/announcements/farming-systems-project-to-inform-decision-making-for-southern-growers 

Southern Farming Systems projects

GRDC in Conversation is a limited series GRDC Podcast. It features in-depth interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry who share their expertise, knowledge and experiences by exploring their personal stories, history, influences and motivations. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, institution or other associated parties. 

GRDC Project Code:

HAG2507-001SAX

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