For Newlyn local Caitlyn Sandwith, the connection to the land isn’t just a hobby—it’s a heritage. The 17-year-old Mount Clear College student, who has spent the last 14 years in Newlyn and traces her agricultural passion back to her grandparents’ farm in Blampied, recently returned from a transformative experience at the Defying the Drift program.

Sponsored by the Daylesford Rotary, Caitlyn joined a cohort of young rural leaders at Longerenong College to explore the complexities of modern farming and agribusiness.

Breaking New Ground at Longerenong

The three-day intensive began with a dive into the deep end. Under the guidance of mentors Fiona Chambers and Jessica Kirkpatrick, the students were immediately challenged to step out of their comfort zones.

“The program is about finding the similarities and differences between us,” Caitlyn noted, reflecting on the initial sessions led by Dale McIntyre. A “get to know you” exercise paired Caitlyn with Harvey, a student from Bendigo. Through the buddy system, the pair practiced the vital soft skills of networking and public speaking—tools just as essential to a career in agriculture as a tractor or a shearing hand.

From Snail Barriers to Million-Dollar Bees

Day two took the students out of the classroom and into the field, visiting four distinct agricultural operations that highlighted the innovation driving the industry today:

  • Rethus Broad Acre Farming: The group met with Luke, who demonstrated precision farming techniques. Caitlyn learned how mowing paddock perimeters can act as a natural deterrent for snails and mice, and why many modern farmers are switching from wheels to tracks to reduce soil compaction and crop damage.
  • Nuseed: This stop focused on the intricate science of canola breeding. The students were fascinated by the use of “A line” (sterile female) and “R line” (fertile male) plants to create hybrids with superior disease resistance. The scale of the operation was highlighted the annual spend on bees alone: Nuseed spends $2.1 million annually on bees to facilitate the pollination process.
  • Crop-opti: Travis introduced the group to the world of agronomy services. A standout feature of this business is its ability to recycle damaged urea powder, melting it down in large vats to create liquid nitrogen—a masterclass in waste reduction and chemical efficiency.
  • Aminya Farms: The final stop focused on the “business” of the bush, covering finance, stock agency, and the strategic timing of breeding and cropping.

Networking with Industry Leaders

The learning continued well into the evening. During dinner, Caitlyn had the opportunity to sit down with Jacinta Langdon, General Manager at Longerenong and a former agronomist. Caitlyn described the conversation as a highlight, providing her with a clearer picture of the educational pathways available at the college.

The group also heard from Louise Hobbs, the 2023 Victorian Rural Ambassador. Hobbs, a winner in the ABC Trailblazer program, shared her mission to integrate agricultural education more deeply into school curriculums across the state.

Next Steps 

On the final day, the focus shifted back to the students. Caitlyn took to the podium to deliver a speech on the hybrid canola processes at Nuseed, demonstrating the public speaking confidence she had built over the weekend.

“What I got out of this program was how to publicly speak better and how to cope in uncomfortable situations,” she said.

Currently completing her Certificate II in Agriculture alongside her Year 12 studies, Caitlyn remains a busy fixture of the local community—whether she’s playing netball for Newlyn or working at the Royal Hotel in Daylesford.

“I would like to thank Daylesford Rotary for sponsoring me,” Caitlyn said. “I got a lot out of the program.”

As Caitlyn prepares for her final exams and her future in the industry, it is clear that the seeds planted at Defying the Drift are already beginning to grow.

For further information on Defying the Drift Program, contact rotarydaylesford@gmail.com