Employee Stories: meet Julia

My journey with Bayer began in August of 2022, marking the start of a new chapter in my career. In 2022, I was at a crossroads in my professional life, determined not to be trapped in a narrow role with limited growth prospects.

I seized the opportunity to join Bayer's team, a decision that led me to relocate from Mildura, Victoria, to Western Australia. As I approach my one-year milestone, I reflect on the incredible journey that has unfolded.

My roots in agriculture have been a driving force behind my career choices. Growing up in a family of farmers, I pursued dual degrees in accounting and agribusiness at Latrobe University. Despite the prevailing advice to avoid the farming industry, my passion for agribusiness remained my compass. 

A pivotal moment came when my mentor offered me a position while I was still in Year 10, a gesture that showed unwavering faith in my potential. This mentorship paved the way for invaluable experience in agribusiness, fostering my growth and refining my skills.

Following my stint as an Agribusiness Analyst, I began a new chapter with a national agribusiness group, involving a placement on a mango farm in Northern Territory, followed by a transition into the AgTech space in Mildura. 
Here, my skills evolved, and I embraced a range of responsibilities including harvest management, budgeting and strategic planning. 

This dynamic environment helped me develop a well-rounded skill set and a deep appreciation for the industry's complexities.

Fast forward to the present, and I find myself at the forefront of digital farming innovation within Bayer. I am passionate about the potential of digital solutions to revolutionise agriculture. Our cutting-edge digital farming platform collects on-farm data and empowers growers to make informed decisions about their crops.

By centralising vital information, we enable farmers to optimise yields, reduce costs, and enhance their environmental practices. This technology is a game-changer for individual farmers and a pathway toward redefining agriculture’s image and sustainability narrative.

My role is multifaceted, much like the agricultural landscape itself. I am actively engaged in marketing, connecting with growers and agronomists, and even contributing to our overall strategic direction. What drives me every day is the desire to improve farmers’ lives. Growing up on a farm, I understand their challenges firsthand. I want to ensure our digital solutions meet their needs and exceed their expectations. Supporting and attracting young talent to the agriculture sector is close to my heart. By embracing digital advancements, we can offer enticing career opportunities that extend beyond the traditional views of farming and agriculture.

As I approach my first anniversary with Bayer, I feel immense fulfilment and pride. I have grown both personally and professionally, and I am excited about the transformative impact we can bring to the agriculture industry.

Looking ahead, I am determined to push the boundaries of what’s possible in digital farming. With Bayer’s global resources and the dedication of our team, I am confident that we will continue to lead the charge in shaping a sustainable, technology-driven future for agriculture.