A third generation local from Robinvale is forging a national career in the horticulture industry, just six years after graduating from Melbourne University.

Will Jury, the only son of Robinvale growers, Trevor and Clare Jury, was recently promoted to key account manager with specialty horticultural supplier, 7 Worlds Ag, thanks to his passion for horticulture and willingness to learn.

In his new job, Will is working closely with 7 Worlds Ag chief executive Ben Coombe, helping to look after the company’s rural distribution customers in horticultural regions across Australia. 

It promises to become another successful step in his career development and yet another interesting chapter for the Jury family.

Will and his three older sisters grew up on the family farm, which began when his grandfather Ron Jury settled on a 10ha soldier settler block he’d been granted after the end of World War II.

Like so many of those pioneering Sunraysia growers in the 1940s and 1950s, Ron mainly grew dried fruit and Ohanez grapes for export to Europe. He also grew wine grapes and Thompson seedless for the SPC cannery.

Will’s father and uncle Peter joined their father in the operation, purchasing their own blocks in the 1970s.

By the 1990s, they focused more on table grapes in the search for better returns, creating opportunities for the family to develop lucrative export markets in China and South-East Asia for newer varieties such as Thompson Seedless, Red Globe, Flame Seedless, Menindee Seedless and Crimson Seedless.

Will says he couldn’t have dreamt of a better childhood.

“It was idyllic growing up on the family farm in Robinvale and helping dad after school and during the holidays, while mum pursued her career as a teacher,” he said.

“At the same time, I learnt a lot about the practicalities of farming – just how tough the seasons can be, the variations in market prices and the value of hard work.

“Nevertheless, our family’s heritage and all those experiences really ignited my passion for horticulture.”

After attending primary school in Robinvale, he went to boarding school from year 9 at St Patrick’s College in Ballarat.

When it came time to decide which course he’d take at university, Will said it was an easy choice to make.

In 2016, he enrolled in a Bachelor of Agriculture degree at the University of Melbourne, majoring in agricultural economics.

This allowed Will to further develop his enthusiasm for horticulture, admitting that he had no real interest in formalising his studies in broadacre farming, dairying or other livestock pursuits.

First job opens career opportunities

On graduating in 2018, he took another wise step, applying for a job with Grochem Australia, which became 7 Worlds Ag in a major rebranding in September.

“Grochem appealed to me because it was a small dynamic company which specialised in supplying crop protection products, trapping systems and other technology for horticultural growers,” he said.

“Starting only a decade ago, the company has been growing quickly under Ben’s leadership and I enjoy working with a talented and enthusiastic team of seven people.

“Since joining, I’ve been looking after our customers in Victoria and Tasmania, and in my new job, I’m looking forward to expanding my knowledge of the industry around Australia.

“Horticulture is such a diverse industry, taking in such a variety of different crops, each with specific needs and market requirements, so I have a lot to learn.”

This month, for example, Will and two of his colleagues, Melanie Turner and Orville Hildebrand, attended the Australian Almond Conference in Adelaide.

The biennial conference gave them the opportunity to meet researchers and almond growers while learning about the latest developments in pollination, water efficiency and water management.

Ben congratulated Will on his latest appointment, coming almost six years since he joined Grochem Australia in his first job after graduating from university.

“This is a great opportunity for Will to strengthen and support our customer base around the country,” Ben added.

“His passion for horticulture and willingness to learn are first class, and I know our customers, both rural retailers and growers, enjoy working with him.”

New era begins

In the latest development, Grochem Australia became 7 Worlds Ag in September to build on its reputation for innovation in technology and its commitment to the Australian horticulture industry.

The launch of 7 Worlds Ag aims to strengthen the company’s reputation for cutting-edge technology and its support for customers, through products and practices that ensure healthy, high-quality crops while protecting the environment.

Ben said 7 Worlds Ag is focused on addressing the unique needs of Australian horticulture and advancing practices to “better protect the planet and enhance productivity for current and future generations”.

“We will continue to invest in local research and development to ensure our products and those from key global suppliers are effective, environmentally friendly and solve grower problems in the field,” he added.

The product range at 7 Worlds Ag contains more than 70 products including fungicides, insecticides, growth regulators, pheromones, and monitoring and trapping systems which are renowned for their environmental profile.

“Growers around Robinvale and the Sunraysia know us for our newer products such as Beloukha herbicide and ProBlad fungicide,” Ben said.

“With so many vines growing around Robinvale, our biggest sellers are our copper fungicides such as Bordeaux WG, Hydrocop WG and Tribasic Liquid.

“And our product range is set to strengthen further, thanks to our research and development capabilities.”

Like its predecessor company, 7 Worlds Ag is an independent, privately owned Australian business dedicated to the specific needs of horticulturists.

Its new identity is inspired by the work of Sir David Attenborough and his dedication to the planet.

“Our small team of seven people combines more than 130 years of experience in agriculture and has a shared passion for helping growers with solutions that enhance their productivity and nurture a sustainable future.”