The Backstory behind innovation in agriculture

A new campaign “The Backstory” will take Australians into the paddocks, glasshouses and shearing sheds on Aussie farms to show them just how innovative our farmers are.

Australian farmers are known across the globe for growing some of the world’s best food and fibre, but what’s not so well known is how much science, research, technology and innovation goes on behind the farmgate.

Research commissioned by the National Farmers’ Federation has found only 18% of Australians agree the sector is focused on innovation and improvement – revealing a shocking lack of understanding of modern farming.

National Farmers’ Federation President Fiona Simson believes many people will be surprised at what goes into some of our farm-grown favourites.

“There is a backstory behind every apple we eat, every sandwich we make and every coffee we drink of farmers embracing technology and research to create tastier food, better fibre, more efficient practices, safer workplaces and more sustainable farms,” she said.

“Traditionally, when people think about farming they picture a farmer in a paddock, but The Backstory shows there is so much more to modern farming than that.”

The Backstory is a series of videos hosted by Rachel McCann who swaps pavement for paddocks to visit three different farms across Australia.

This video features Rachel doing the backstory on how Queensland cattle farmers Melinee and Rob Leather measure, monitor and forecast the health and changes in soil, water, trees, plants, animals, and encompass people and indigenous culture and heritage.