In this episode of Rural Leadership Unearthed, we’re joined by David Keetch, a seasoned agricultural researcher who first embraced ag as a highschool student growing up in Adelaide. Now, as Nufarm’s Green-on-Green Program Director, he leads two national projects focused on developing advanced in-crop camera-spraying technologies and herbicide solutions tailored to Australian farming systems.
If it sounds complicated, that’s because it is. Fortunately, Dave is a skilled, patient communicator with a real adeptness for understanding how different types of people thrive with different styles of communication. A core part of his job is adapting his approach for different audiences and stakeholders. Without this ability, he says he just wouldn’t be able to lead effectively.
But it hasn’t always come easily. It was his experience with a “melting pot” of other leaders in his cohort during the 2021 Australian Agribusiness Leadership Program that brought home that the way diverse personalities connect and relate to one another directly shapes outcomes.
In today’s conversation, Dave walks us through the challenges that come with managing a project that blends AI technology with Australia’s unique growing environments. He shares how stewardship of best practice and sustainable technology use in ag is what drives him in all that he does. Dave speaks openly about managing the different pulls between his passion for research and the realities of commercial expectations. He also reflects that when we’re working towards long-term goals, it’s vital to break it down into smaller milestones and celebrate the wins along the way.
Some highlights:
• How returning to core aims help Dave manage complexity
• The importance of celebrating small wins
• If you’re not changing, you’re not growing
• How adapting to others’ communication preferences can be as simple as picking up the phone or even knocking on a door
• An ‘independent streak’ can get in the way of asking for help
• Why being rigid and inflexible just doesn’t work
Our host:
Claire Delahunty, is a writer and journalist who has worked with the ARLF for more than ten years, interviewing leaders having a positive impact on rural and regional Australia.
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