Avril finds inspiration in her research roots for future collaborations

Written by Ralph Johnstone

As a partner in a cattle farm, Avril Hogan appreciates the intricate balance of weather, water, and land stewardship that influences agricultural success. As a long-term rural resident, she knows the challenges of migration, employment, and opportunity that shape regional communities. And as a mother, she worries about the daunting ecological changes that hang over future generations.

But as a seasoned researcher and educator, Avril also holds great faith in the power of rigorous research and data-driven science to guide and inform a more resilient future.

This effervescent 46-year-old Canadian-Aussie brings an unwavering optimism and work ethic – together with an impressive globetrotting CV – to her new role as Director of Partnerships and Engagement at One Basin CRC.

‘I feel that this position draws together so many of the strings of my previous work, in agriculture and agtech, strategy and market research,’ says Avril. ‘There are so many incredible ideas and innovations happening in our regions right now, but research and cross-sectoral collaboration will always be critical to prove these ideas and influence their adoption, while ensuring they get support and funding.

‘I think that One Basin’s multidisciplinary approach is such an important model to push these conversations forward, and make sure everyone working in science and innovation, both in the cities and living in the regions, has an opportunity to share their knowledge and lived experiences at the highest level. Living regionally should never be a disadvantage.’

Agricultural outputs

While Avril’s resumé dances around the globe, Australia feels like the place she was destined to lay her hat. Her first job out of university was working for a family-owned farm machinery company in her native Saskatchewan. She soon became international marketing manager and started travelling – to Europe, the Balkans, America, and Australia – where at a field day in Horsham in 2004, she met a young livestock farmer who stopped her in her tracks.

After four months in Canada, ‘with mad cow disease on the march’, the couple returned to Australia, to her husband’s family farm outside Horsham (which Dave still farms, alongside a day job with a large canola seed producer). But Avril wasn’t one to settle on the farm, and persuaded an ex-colleague in Canada to let her set up an Australian office of their market research agency.

After landing a clutch of high-profile clients, including Monash University and the Department of Primary Industries, Avril established a call centre in Horsham to run national farming surveys and education outcome research for universities – an accomplishment she still counts among her finest. ‘We studied changing production practices, water use efficiency over the millennial drought, how the Wimmera-Mallee pipeline was impacting farming… I think today, there must be at least 40 people who got a stepping-stone back into the workforce through our call centre.’

Agtech expertise

Ten years ago, there was another career pivot when Avril – fresh from a runners-up prize in the 2014 Rural Women’s Awards – was approached by the agricultural retailer, Emmetts, which had just added seven new John Deere franchises to its portfolio.

True to form, she quickly stamped her mark on the firm, adding to her marketing role, by helping set up new irrigation and small construction divisions. Before long, the team had launched a ‘precision agronomy’ business focused on the rich potential of agtech to optimise the technology in John Deere’s equipment, and integrate soil moisture probes and precision mapping to reduce input costs.

‘Through the tech built into today’s equipment, farmers and equipment retailers can diagnose how well their machines are working, predict faults and remotely monitor maintenance needs, you name it,’ says Avril. ‘We already have systems that can link sensors all round your farm, so you have a full picture of all the inputs you’re using, your water and power use – the whole business is moving ahead so quickly. And next will be autonomous vehicles!’

Back to school

In 2021, Avril was again headhunted, this time to run the renowned Longerenong College – a 135-year-old agricultural school that was looking for a new GM. The job involved overseeing the welfare of over 200 students, an 1,100-hectare farm, the resident livestock, and a high-tech ‘data farm’ where students could learn about the kind of precision tools Avril had so recently been selling.

Avril got a lot of media attention for being the first female manager at Longerenong – but, she says, it was the gender of the students that gave her the most satisfaction. ‘Last year, 60% of our new students were female – which has not traditionally been the case with agricultural colleges. But agriculture in Australia is a cool and dynamic industry, which is much more accepting of women these days.’

Like many of those who live close to the land, Avril sees water conservation as critical to the future of our regions – particularly in the Murray-Darling catchment. ‘Water plays such a key role, and it’s only going to get more important with the impacts of climate variability,’ she says.

‘I’m really excited about working with One Basin CRC’s partners, and I’m going to be spending the next few months getting out there and meeting as many people as possible. It’s exciting for me to be back in the world of research, and working with a group of passionate people who want to share knowledge and collaborate across sectors and borders.

‘If we don’t continue to invest in and accelerate research in these critical areas of water management, land use, and climate change, ideas and innovations will dry up. An organisation like this that brings together scientists, universities, businesses, farmers, communities and First Peoples – and gives all their voices equal weight – is the only way that we’ll develop effective policies to protect our most precious resources.’