NRI Graduate Agronomists Tour Tamworth BASF & AMPS Field Trial Tour
NRI Graduate Agronomists Tour Tamworth BASF & AMPS Field Trial Tour
NRI’s Graduate Agronomy Program supports early-career agronomists from shareholder businesses with technical training, mentoring and industry connections, helping them grow into confident, capable advisors for their local growers.
As part of this program, seventeen graduate agronomists from NRI shareholder businesses across WA, SA, VIC, NSW and QLD recently spent two days in Tamworth, NSW, hosted by BASF and AMPS. The group, ranging from one to five years’ experience, got hands-on with fungicide, herbicide and variety trials, while also building relationships with peers from around the country.
NRI’s next generation of agronomists recently came together in Tamworth, NSW, for a two-day technical tour, bringing together 17 early-career agronomists from shareholder businesses across WA, SA, VIC, NSW and QLD.
With experience ranging from one to five years, the tour focused on building practical skills, strengthening industry connections, and supporting the development of confident, capable advisors.
Day 1: Inside BASF’s Tamworth Research Farm
The tour kicked off at BASF’s Tamworth research farm, where the group was hosted by Alex Holden (National Key Account Manager), Curtis Targett (Broadacre Agronomic & Innovation Specialist – NSW & QLD) and Russell Ison (Field Biologist and Crop Solutions Farm Manager). Thanks to all three for organising and hosting the visit.
Through a combination of field-based discussions and interactive sessions, BASF shifted the focus beyond simply selecting products, encouraging participants to think more deeply about why a product may succeed or fail. This approach reinforced the importance of diagnostics, long-term planning and strategic decision-making.
Key discussion points included:
- Diagnosing the underlying cause of a problem, not just the symptom
- Connecting what’s seen in the paddock to multi-year planning and strategy
- Building the confidence, experience and client trust that come with getting the diagnosis right
The sessions also highlighted how these principles extend beyond broadacre cropping into horticulture and summer cropping systems.
More on the BASF Tamworth research farm is available on the BASF blog.
Day 2: On the Road with AMPS
Day two was hosted by the local AMPS team. Dean Whitton, General Sales Manager, gave the group an overview of the AMPS business as they toured the Tamworth district by minibus, with a stop to see AMPS’s impressive new store under construction in Tamworth, due to open later this year.
AMPS Research Agronomist Mitch Buster then led a field trial tour covering:
- Pre-emergent herbicides and crop safety in wheat
- Knockdown herbicides and control of glyphosate-resistant ryegrass
- A canola variety trial
- A forage cereal variety trial
The graduates were impressed by the scale and professionalism of the AMPS trial program, and the strong connection between research outcomes and practical, on-farm decision making.
Building Capability Through Connection
Beyond the technical learnings, the tour provided an important opportunity for NRI Graduate Agronomists to connect with peers and industry partners. Sharing early-career experiences in a supportive environment helps build confidence, broaden perspectives and strengthen professional networks.
These experiences are a key part of NRI’s commitment to investing in the development of its agronomists, ensuring they return to their local businesses better equipped to support growers with informed, practical advice.
NRI would like to thank BASF and AMPS for their support in delivering this valuable experience for our Graduate Agronomists.
