A Different Kind of Hay Fever

Spring may bring on sneezes and runny noses for some, but for others, it signals one thing: growing season. While many of us are content tending to a backyard veggie patch, agronomists and farmers are managing thousands of hectares of crops, ensuring that the nation’s food supply continues to thrive—even under pressure from unpredictable weather, global markets and evolving technology.

If you’ve ever wondered about a career in agriculture or what agronomy actually involves, you’re in the right place. We caught up with Rohan Brill, a Research and Development Agronomist with the NSW Department of Primary Industries, to get the inside scoop on working in one of Australia’s most vital and future-focused industries.

Why Choose a Career in Agriculture?

Agriculture is more than just farming. It’s an expansive sector covering everything from crop science and animal nutrition to agri-business, environmental sustainability, and food security. It’s also a critical part of Australia’s economy, employing over 300,000 people across rural and regional areas, according to ABARES.

And while challenges like drought, climate change, and biosecurity threats make the work complex, they also drive innovation. Fields like agronomy play a key role in helping farmers make informed, sustainable decisions based on data, science, and soil-to-market knowledge.

What Is Agronomy?

Agronomy is the science of managing soil, crops, and natural resources to maximise productivity and sustainability. Agronomists combine research, fieldwork and practical advice to help farmers grow better yields, use fewer chemicals, and improve soil health over time.

It’s a career that blends science, outdoor work, and long-term impact—and according to Rohan, it’s one that keeps you thinking on your feet.

Q&A with Agronomist Rohan Brill

Did you always want to work in agriculture?

I’ve always enjoyed the science side of farming, even though I used to find some of the physical tasks—like shearing or driving tractors—a bit mundane. But once I got involved after school, I appreciated how much of it is about problem-solving and personal accountability. Now I actually value those “mundane” tasks—they give me time to think.

Why did you specialise in agronomy?

Agronomy offers a great balance between science and hands-on work. It also aligns with my long-term goal of expanding our family farm. Working in research helps me support other farmers while also staying grounded in what real-life decisions on the land look like.

How did your university experience prepare you?

It taught me how to find credible information and make decisions based on evidence. Agriculture is full of trends and “silver bullets” that don’t always live up to the hype. Being able to filter through that and apply what’s genuinely useful is a huge advantage.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

Seeing research turn into real-world change. One project I worked on in Coonamble helped local growers adopt early sowing strategies for faba beans. Yields improved, profits increased, and there were environmental wins too—faba beans fix nitrogen naturally, reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers.

What are the challenges?

There’s a lot of driving—up to 70,000 km a year! Also, securing funding for research projects can be time-consuming, and measuring long-term success isn’t always easy. Funders want clear outcomes, but impact in agriculture can take years to show.

Do you have a good work–life balance?

Yes. I have flexibility with hours, so I work hard during peak periods and take downtime when I can. I also make time to travel and disconnect—northern hemisphere summers are a favourite. Exercise plays a big role too; it helps me stay productive and mentally sharp.

Does your role involve travel?

Plenty. I cover regional NSW regularly, and also travel interstate for conferences. I recently visited Kazakhstan to speak about crop diversification. It was a powerful experience, and I learned a lot from seeing how different systems operate around the world.

What advice would you give to someone considering agronomy?

Don’t stress if you don’t know everything up front. What matters most is a willingness to keep learning. The more I’ve learned in agronomy, the more I realise how much more there is to know—and that’s what keeps it exciting.

Want to Start a Career in Agriculture?

If you’re interested in agronomy, crop science, or sustainable farming, there are nationally recognised qualifications available online. Studying agriculture doesn’t mean you have to move to the bush full-time—but it could give you the skills to help shape the future of food and sustainability.

Explore accredited agriculture and agribusiness courses now and discover where this dynamic industry can take you.