GRDC in Conversation: Ashley Amourgis

About this episode

Ashley Amourgis discusses her journey in the grains industry and the importance of context in farming practices.

In this episode of GRDC in Conversation, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Ashley Amourgis, General Manager of Southern Farming Systems, just west of Geelong. Growing up on a dairy farm near Deloraine in Tasmania, Ashley developed a deep appreciation for agriculture as a way of life. That grounding has shaped her journey into the grains industry, where she now works at the intersection of research, extension and farming systems in Victoria’s high rainfall zone. Ashley shares her pathway from university uncertainty and early rejection to nearly a decade in grains, reflecting on confidence, mentorship and stepping into leadership. The conversation explores nitrogen management in high rainfall environments, the importance of long-term Farming Systems research, the role of drainage in transforming southwest Victoria, and why every farm requires context rather than cookie cutter advice. Ashley also offers advice for young professionals entering agriculture and explains why, despite advances in AI and technology, people remain at the heart of the industry. Watch highlights from this episode as a video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bMjm1-wQzMQ More information: Farming systems project to…

People in this episode

Host: Oli Le Lievre

Guest: Ashley Amourgis

Topics covered

• agriculture
• grains industry
• farming systems
• nitrogen management
• leadership
• mentorship
• technology in agriculture

Keywords

• agriculture
• grains
• farming systems
• nitrogen management
• leadership
• mentorship
• high rainfall environments
• technology
• AI

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Southern Farming Systems

Places: Geelong, Tasmania, Victoria, southwest Victoria

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