Georgia Moody is a young leader in New Zealand’s food and fibre sector and at just 21 years old is already making significant contributions to the industry.
Raised on a lifestyle block near Feilding, her passion for agriculture was sparked early on, but her international experience at Wageningen University in the Netherlands broadened her perspective and solidified her vision for the future of the industry. She is currently in her Honours year in Agricultural Science at Lincoln University, focusing on wheat and nitrogen demand. She also serves as the communications and social media coordinator at AgAssist.
“I lived rurally and was surrounded by agriculture. My mother was an event coordinator and was responsible for organising the National Hereford and Beef Sale at Manfield, and her dad was a farmer in Scotland. He was a spokesperson for agriculture. He was ahead of his time regarding sustainability.
“He used to say ‘Live as if you’ll die tomorrow but farm as if you’ll live forever’. That’s something that resonates with me today, especially with the current understanding of the importance of sustainability in our industry.”
In Year 11, Moody’s passion for agriculture was truly ignited through an engaging educator.
“Mr Kain Nixon made learning easy and fun. He got us involved in TeenAg, and it was the first time I seriously considered a career in the industry.”
The combination of encouragement at school and attending Future Beef events with others her age who shared similar interests reinforced her interest in the ag sector and she decided to further her studies at Lincoln University, which was “one of the best decisions I ever made in my life”.
A defining moment in Moody’s academic journey was her semester on exchange at Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands. This experience was transformative, exposing her to advanced agricultural technology and innovative sustainability practices that she believes New Zealand can learn from.
“The Netherlands was a game-changer for me. The way they integrate cutting-edge technology with traditional farming methods is something I think New Zealand can learn a lot from.”
Wageningen University, known for its advanced agricultural research and strong emphasis on sustainability, provided Moody with a unique opportunity to explore how technology can enhance farming practices while protecting the environment. The experience broadened her perspective and deepened her understanding of the food and fibre sector’s global challenges and opportunities.
“We heard from people in Austria who were making their own biofuels and then someone the next weekend would Zoom in from Switzerland and they would speak about their fully circular solar panel powered dairy production system. There were elements everyone could implement.
“I came home much more open-minded with a focus on solutions.”
Moody’s role at AgAssist is multifaceted, involving more than just managing communications and social media.
“I get to be creative and have fun in the role.”
She is also a vital link between AgAssist employees and agribusinesses and her understanding of the food and fibre sector and the seasonality of certain industries is complemented by her grasp of university students’ schedules and study demands.
The AgAssist startup, often described as “Tinder meets Uber and TradeMe”, exposes Moody to innovative solutions for labour challenges within the farming sector, which she communicates effectively.
“People are recognising AgAssist as a solution to labour challenges.”
Moody has also embraced numerous leadership opportunities through New Zealand Young Farmers. Her journey began as a first-year representative at Lincoln Young Farmers, one of the country’s largest clubs. She then took on roles with the Tasman Regional Executive Committee. This year, she convened the Tasman Regional Final.
Now, as the Tasman Delegate on the National Committee, she is eager to learn more about the organisation, network with other passionate young farmers, and continue contributing to the industry. Young Farmers has helped her understand the path to governance, and she’s excited about upcoming governance training with the National Committee.
Moody highlights the opportunities afforded to her through NZ Hereford Youth to travel to Australia to compete in competitions and network with others. She has led cattle at the World Hereford Conference and will be heading to Kansas next year to represent New Zealand in the Young Breeders Competition.
Despite being passionate about genetics, Moody recognises some of the challenges the industry faces and “couldn’t see a time in the near future where I could buy my own property and build up my own herd”.
As a result, partnered with her experience and learnings at Wageningen University, she shifted focus to crop science, specifically wheat.
To stay motivated she also draws inspiration from a diverse range of individuals, rather than idolising a single figure, she said. She observes the strengths of others and incorporates them into her personal and professional objectives. This approach has allowed her to grow, adapt, and continually expand her skill set.
Moody said a lot of her work ethic was learned from watching her mother’s passion and dedication as general manager for NZ Herefords has instilled in her a great work ethic. Other influences include Hannah Gibb and her work and support with the NZ Hereford Youth.
Looking ahead, Moody is optimistic about the future of agriculture in NZ. She sees immense potential in the sector, particularly in the ways technology and innovation can be harnessed to address current and future challenges. Her vision is one of sustainability, where agriculture not only thrives but also contributes positively to the environment and society. She believes that the integration of global perspectives into local practices, a philosophy she developed during her time in the Netherlands, will be crucial in achieving this vision.
For those considering a career in agriculture, her advice is simple yet profound: “Don’t let your age limit what you can do or where you want to be.”
She emphasises that the food and fibre sector is diverse with opportunities in every direction. Whether you’re interested in finance, education, technology, or hands-on farming, there is a place for you in this vast and vital industry. She encourages young people to be bold in their career choices, to seek out opportunities for growth and learning, and to never be afraid to step outside their comfort zones.
More: The Farmers Weekly Rural Living series highlights the rich diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand’s rural communities, farming families and their contributions to the food and fibre sector.
