Alana joined the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) in January 2025 as an Industry Engagement Officer for Climate Resilience.
The role is supported through a partnership between the TIA and the TAS Farm Innovation Hub.
Tell us about your role?
Ultimately, the purpose of this role is to support innovation and adoption of new practices and products that increase Tasmanian farmers resilience to drought and climate change.
I will work with climate change related researchers in TIA, along with the industry engagement and extension officers of the TAS Farm Innovation Hub to engage with farmers, farming groups, local entrepreneurs, traditional custodians, practitioners in natural resource management, industry, and others in the community, to communicate the learnings of relevant TIA research, and thereby encourage effective adoption.
What excites you the most about your job?
I'm excited to work with researchers, our industry partners and farmers to support a resilient and sustainable agriculture industry.
What do you consider your most significant accomplishments so far?
Dairy Calf Welfare Across the Supply Chain was research conducted due to a public response to an animal welfare crisis. This research impacted legislation relating to the carriage and treatment of bobby calves improving morbidity and mortality across the supply chain.
Why did you choose to work in agricultural science?
I like the direct impact that research outputs can have on addressing challenges that farmers face.
When you’re not at work, what types of activities keep you busy?
Being a new transplant to Tasmania I am busy trying to establish a small orchard and vegetable garden but am being thwarted by leaf curl, pear and cherry slugs and Corbie grubs, so now I spent a lot of time in Bunnings looking at Herbicides and pesticides. Would appreciate any non-chemical suggestions to save my plants!