Imogen Brankin’s farming sustainability work earns national award nod

It’s no surprise to us she’s up for it, though. A 2021 Bachelor of Agriculture graduate, Imogen is one of this year’s finalists for the Emerging Leader Award at the Primary Industries NZ Awards. The award recognises those making a mark early in their careers through leadership, passion and impact across the sector.

In her current role as an On-Farm Sustainability Advisor with Silver Fern Farms, Imogen works directly with farmers to help them implement sustainable farming practices. It involves a mix of on-farm and office-based work, supporting producers through programmes like NZFAP Plus, Net Carbon Zero and GAP certification.

“I find it quite rewarding working with our farmers and influencing a behavioural shift, and seeing them future-proof their farm systems.”

She’s fit a lot into her early career. Through Silver Fern Farms’ graduate programme, Imogen has spent time across sustainability and risk, marketing and livestock teams.

“In the agriculture business, the cogs have to all be turning together to make a functional business, so having the knowledge of different cogs within that business has been hugely valuable.”

Imogen has organised 60 ‘Know Your Number’ climate change workshops and sat on primary industry committees and advisory groups. She won the 2022 Polson Higgs and Young Farmers Innovation Competition, speaking on the topic "Can Farming Deliver a Sustainable Future for New Zealand", and was part of a team of five who competed in the 2023 IFAMA Global Student Case Competition.

She’s currently on a side quest in Australia cattle mustering, something she said she’s always wanted to do, both for fun and out of interest in how other farm systems operate.

A self-described glass-half-full person, Imogen believes her willingness to take on challenges and say yes to new opportunities has played a big part in where she is now.

“I guess I always give everything a hundred percent and put my hand up for new opportunities. I’m always keen to grow and develop my skill set and knowledge.” 

Her time at Lincoln provided the foundation to grow in the sector.

“The degree set me up really nicely going into my graduate role at Silver Fern Farms, just having that broad range of skills and knowledge to build on.

“Those three years also helped me figure out what I was most passionate about, and the practical component I found I valued immensely.”

Sustainability is a complex topic, but Imogen likes to think of it simply.

“It's not just about the environment, it's about people and financial sustainability too. About not just doing the status quo, but that continuous improvement and leaving things better than they were found.”

Her love for agriculture is hard to ignore, with plenty keeping her excited about its future.

“I enjoy working with farmers, the practical side of farming, and helping future-proof their systems, and overall contributing to producing grass-fed goodness that people can enjoy.

“There are just so many opportunities for the sector which I’m truly passionate about.”

Lincoln University is proud to sponsor the Emerging Leader Award and support the next generation of agri-leaders.

Also nominated in this year’s awards is Dr Robyn Dynes, Principal Scientist and Farmer Engagement Specialist at AgResearch, who is up for the Champion Award alongside two others. Robyn was recently awarded Lincoln University’s Bledisloe Medal for outstanding contribution to agriculture. 

Imogen is back in the country for the Primary Industries NZ Awards ceremony taking place tomorrow, 24 June, at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.