mmg.com.au

Jack Ellice-Flint (pictured) came to Deniliquin seven months ago as an agronomist with Brown’s Rural, and the move has paid off for the 25 year-old.

Not only has he been able to get involved in the rice industry, which was his reason for relocating, he’s also recently been announced one of the nation’s ‘young gun’ competition finalists.

The competition, run by Australian Independent Rural Retailers, rewards employees for their commitment to the business.

It also provides finalists with opportunities to improve their skills, with the aim of developing ‘‘business leaders of tomorrow’’.

Jack was nominated for the award by Brown’s Rural owner Ross Burnham, who had to submit a letter of recommendation for the competition application.

Jack also had to detail his rural background, which he said started when he was 19.

‘‘I went jackarooing in 2006 before starting university, working at Headingly Station which is 300km south-west of Mount Isa,’’ he said.

‘‘I then went to Charles Sturt University in Orange where I studied agricultural business management.

‘‘From there I worked as an agronomist with Elders in Dalwalliwa, WA for two years - on the central wheat belt.’’

Originally from Bowral in NSW, Jack said he came to Deniliquin for the opportunity to work within the rice industry.

‘‘I didn’t want to be pigeon-holed into just winter crops,’’ he said.

‘‘I also wanted to take up the opportunity to work with Ross (Campion), who is one of the best rice agronomists around.

‘‘Here (in Deniliquin) I can get into a bit of everything.’’

After submitting his application and marketing Brown’s Rural to the younger generation through Facebook, Jack has been listed in the top 10 of the young guns competition.

He will attend a two-day conference in Sydney next week, which kicks off round two of the competition.

Held next Thursday and Friday, the finalists will meet AIRR board members and executives and attend a number of forums.

It will include sessions on financial training, marketing and customer services.

On his return to Deniliquin, Jack will need to demonstrate the skills he learned in Sydney by hosting a customer information evening.

He will be judged on the execution of the project to see if he makes the top five, which will be announced in mid-January.

If he makes the next round, Jack will attend the national AIRR conference on the Gold Coast in February where the eventual winner will be announced.

Prizes up for grabs in the competition include a website design package, travel vouchers and shopping vouchers.