Where it all began
Growing up on a cattle property near Tenterfield in New South Wales, Maria Thompson’s unfading love for agriculture began when she was just a child helping her mum run the family farm.
“My parents had just purchased a property, and then six weeks later, my dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer,” says the Bachelor of Rural Science alumna.
“When I was three, he passed away and my mum made the very brave decision to keep the farm.
“So, as a family, from a very young age, my two older brothers and I were involved in all elements of the farm and the decision making, and I guess that’s where my love for agriculture and the land grew.”
While it certainly wasn’t an easy ride for Maria and her family, this period of her life is one she reflects on with fondness. These formative years spent running around the farm and helping her mum is what she says helped her decide to pursue Agriculture as a career and enrol in a Bachelor of Rural Science at UNE.
I refer back my degree so often, particularly in regards to the agriculture systems approach and that the degree covered sciences, soils, agronomy, animal science, animal nutrition and reproduction.
“My time at UNE was amazing, and I think I put it down to the degree that I did,” she says.
“I refer back it so often, particularly in regards to the agriculture systems approach and that the degree covered sciences, soils, agronomy, animal science, animal nutrition and reproduction.
“It gave the entire system approach, which I think was such a beneficial, important way of learning about agriculture because you don’t just look at the plant or the animal, you look at the entire system that it sits within.”
After completing her fourth year, Maria was awarded a scholarship to complete her Master of Agriculture at the Royal Veterinary and Agriculture University in Copenhagen.
With this giving her a global perspective on meat science and agricultural systems, when she returned to Australia, she managed to land a job in Canberra looking after policy for national animal health, welfare, and biosecurity for Sheep Producers Australia.
Then, in 2011, she made a decision that would change the course of her life as she knew it.
The birth of the business
“I loved my job… it was a great role at a national level which had lots of travel, opportunities and quite a diverse portfolio, but I just really wanted to live in rural or regional Australia,” she says.
“Then I started thinking about what other opportunities there are to live in regional Australia and have a professional career in agriculture, and to be honest at that stage, there were very few.
“That’s when I looked at my options, and I realised if I start my own company, I can do my projects from wherever I live, and also have the flexibility to build my work around having a family, buying a farm and living where we want to live, so from there, the idea grew.”
My typical day looks always looks different and I think that’s because of the range and diversity of projects that I work on, which is something that I’ve always loved.
Ten years later, and her agricultural consultancy company AgSTAR Projects is a thriving success.
Managing and delivering projects in strategic planning, facilitation, event management, policy review and more, her company has seen her lead projects for renowned industry bodies such as Meat & Livestock Australia, Animal Health Australia and the Cattle Council of Australia.
“At the moment I’m working with each of the Australian livestock industries helping them to ensure they’ve got the systems and processes in place for them to prepare for and respond to an emergency animal disease,” she says.
“My typical day looks always looks different and I think that’s because of the range and diversity of projects that I work on, which is something that I’ve always loved.”
Her work has seen her become the National Coordinator for the Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging (ICMJ) program, and the coordinator of the Cattle Council of Australia’s Rising Champions Initiative, where she helps to inspire and develop young up and comers in the red meat industry. In addition, she runs a beef cattle enterprise in Coonabarabran with her husband and two young boys.
While she might make building an empire look seamless, Maria says taking the leap to carve her own path in the industry wasn’t a walk in the park.
“Reflecting back, going out on my own was daunting,” she says.
“Everything from setting up the business structure, governance and the finances, there was a lot involved, but I guess it was just a matter of thinking, 'I’ve made the decision to chase this goal, this is what I’m going to do'.”
Networking is key
For those with similar aspirations, but not quite sure how to make the jump, Maria says building a strong network and ensuring that you’re always upskilling and taking opportunities as they arise can help your business thrive.
“Ensuring that you’re a warm, friendly and approachable person, and that people know who you are and what you’re doing is vital,” she says.
“The industry networks and connections that you make along the way are so important, and I’ve been really fortunate with this. It probably stems from my time at UNE, but I didn’t actually have to advertise my business to get it up and running because the majority of my work has been through word of mouth and through networks and industry connections, so that makes a big difference.
From a company and business perspective, it’s important to always be a step ahead of what’s coming and know what new things can be implemented.
“It’s also important to always be upskilling and finding ways to improve. From a company and business perspective, it’s important to always be a step ahead of what’s coming and know what new things can be implemented, both from a company management perspective, understanding industry trends, and the day to day running of the business.”
Maria suggests joining as many societies, clubs and organisations as possible to ensure your skills stay fresh.
“I’m a member of the Australian Evaluation Society and the Australian Pacific Extension Network, so by being part of these organisations I’m always aware of what training is coming up, plus it’s a great way to meet new people.”
Most importantly though, Maria believes it’s the employees and the people involved that can make or break a business. She says when those around you are inspired and motivated, that’s when the real magic happens.
No matter what project I’m working on, and no matter what organisation I’m working with, it’s the people that drive it and deliver the results.
“It’s a matter of ensuring that they want to own their work, and that I’m giving them the skills and the inspiration to succeed,” she says.
“No matter what project I’m working on, and no matter what organisation I’m working with, it’s the people that drive it and deliver the results.”
