A successful agricultural leadership program has undergone a makeover to deliver the same essential leadership and business management skills through the lens of adaptable leadership in a changing climate.
The Enable leadership program is a joint initiative of Rural Business Tasmania (RBT) and the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), delivered with funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
This year is the first time that agricultural professionals from around Australia can enrol in the four-month program thanks to the addition of an online study option.
Dr Saideepa Kumar, Lecturer in Agricultural Systems at TIA, said the program is designed for people working in the agricultural sector including farmers, farm owners and managers, advisers, and extension officers.
“The Enable program is an opportunity for agricultural professionals to cultivate self-aware leadership skills and the mindset required to adapt to the impacts of a rapidly changing climate,” Dr Kumar said.
“Climate change is the most pressing challenge of our time, and it affects agriculture intimately. We often focus on what we need to change in farming systems, but we want to take a different approach by focussing on how we as individuals can adapt and lead in this space.”
The main learnings reported by 2023 participants include a greater awareness of leadership strategies, being aware of their ability to control or influence change, appreciating difference, communicating with different people, and managing staff and projects.
For Dr Kumar, a highlight of last year’s program was seeing participants develop their confidence and self-awareness to become conscious leaders.
“At the end of last year’s program, it came across really strongly that participants had developed a better understanding of themselves and what motivates others. They had enhanced their ability to lead positively and constructively in their roles,” she said.
“Another highlight is that farmers, business managers and extension staff complete the course together and valuable networks are formed. These networks extend beyond the course so they can call on each other and support each other.”
The CEO of Rural Business Tasmania, Elizabeth Skirving, said RBT was proud to again partner with TIA to deliver the Enable program.
“This year the Enable program will highlight the importance of adaptability in our ever-changing climate,” Ms Skirving said.
“Last year’s participants have benefited greatly from the program from both a personal leadership and skills developments together from the formation of networks and relationships across the farmer and advisor landscape.”
The TAS Farm Innovation Hub is sponsoring six scholarships for Tasmanian participants.