Growing the Future 2025
Growing the Future is the biggest agricultural networking events for youth in South Australia. Each year the information and impact this event has on students allows connections to industry to be bigger then ever before.
The Adelaide Universities Agriculture Students’ Association (AUASA) celebrated a special milestone last
Thursday, the 10th anniversary of Growing the Future (GtF). What began a decade ago as a student-led idea
has now grown into one of the most anticipated events on the calendar for young people in agriculture.
The night brought together students, industry leaders, sponsors, and alumni for an evening that mixed
inspiration, connection, and a good dose of celebration.
With Leigh Radford as MC, the evening had both energy and heart. AUASA President Caleb Schwartz opened the event by thanking long-time supporters Chris Schied and Bruce Hancock whose encouragement over the
years has helped the student association find its voice and grow in confidence.
On the night attendees were grateful for the words of advice from Bonnie Armour, as she talked to her story as a recent University graduate. It was a valuable opportunity to hear from someone who had recently been on a similar journey as many of our students and to get an insight into life post studies. She shared her four biggest pieces of wisdom, and there was certainly something to take away for everyone
In true entrepreneurial style, each sponsor gave a 1-minute elevator pitch of why an attendee should work for them as part of their sponsorship of the night. Industry sponsorship allows AUASA to subsidise tickets for youth in agriculture heavily, so the event is more accessible. It was great for our audience to be able to hear from such a huge number of industry professionals in such a small amount of time. For many students, this highlighted for them just how diverse the agricultural industry is, and how many opportunities there are for them to learn and expand their networks from this event.
The keynote speaker, Allan Parker, kept the audience engaged with insights drawn from his career in facilitation, negotiation, leadership development, and dispute management. Having advised governments, guided organisations through restructures, and worked with leading companies across Australia and overseas, Allan shared lessons that were as relevant for students as they are for CEOs. His message: strong
communication and adaptable leadership are just as critical in agriculture as they are anywhere else.
The evening concluded with a vibrant networking session and social gathering — a reminder that while
AUASA works hard to represent its members, it also values the friendships and community that come with it.
AUASA extends its thanks to all sponsors, exhibitors, and partners who made the event possible.
Photography: Miriam Yipp, Environmental & Science Media
AUASA would like to personally thank all of our 2025 growing the future sponsors. Without sponsors, events like these simply aren't possible and we thank all sponsors for generously giving up their time and knowledge to inspire the next generation.
Major Sponsors
Table Sponsers
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©2025 AUASA