Ag industry collaboration welcomes new Mixed Farming Intern
December 10, 2025 | Demi Taylor 
A strong collaboration between key agricultural industry groups has resulted in the twelve month appointment of a Mixed Farming Intern with MacKillop Farm Management Group.
The new internship provides an opportunity for a recent graduate to begin building a career in agricultural research, development, extension and drought resilience within mixed farming systems across the Limestone Coast.
Arabella Hinge will commence with MFMG in January 2026 working with the MFMG team and the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) agronomy team at Naracoorte. She will also be supported by local commercial agronomists and agricultural and livestock consultants.
This internship program is delivered through the partnership of MFMG, the South Australian Grains Industry Trust (SAGIT), the South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SA Drought Hub) and SARDI, a division of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA).
A 2025 graduate with a Bachelor of Agriculture from Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Arabella brings a fresh perspective and enthusiasm for the ag industry and is keen to put her studies into practice.
“As a new graduate this role offers me an ideal opportunity to gain real-life experience in the ag industry after three years of study,” Arabella said.
“I am looking forward to learning a little bit of everything across the sector, and expanding my knowledge close to home, having grown up in Bordertown,” Arabella said.
“The opportunity to relocate to Naracoorte and work directly with farmers at the heart of agricultural research, development and extension is exciting.”
MFMG CEO Sally Klose said developing the next generation of agricultural professionals is vital for the sector’s long-term strength.
“Supporting early career researchers ensures our industry remains strong and progressive,” Sally said.
“We need to build clear pathways that attract and encourage new entrants to ensure the resilience and growth of agriculture into the future.”
Throughout her 12 month internship, Arabella will
- Gain practical knowledge of grains and livestock research and development in the high rainfall and mid rainfall zones of the Limestone Coast
- Develop an understanding of a farming systems group’s role in agricultural research and extension, and
- Develop skills and experience in project management, communications and extension.
Arabella will also complete a research project addressing a topic of relevance to the Limestone Coast agricultural industry. The role commences in January 2026.
This project is supported by the South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, which is one of eight Hubs established across Australia through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
ENDS
For more information, please contact Sally Klose on 0427 829 143.
This project is funded by:
This internship program is supported by MacKillop Farm Management Group, the South Australian Grain Industry Fund (SAGIT), the South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SA Drought Hub) and the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), a division of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA).