The WA Agricultural Scientist Spotlight series highlights some of Western Australia’s most innovative agricultural scientists, sharing their career paths, research, and insights into the industry.
This week, we feature Dr Daniel Kidd, Head of Projects at the Grower Group Alliance.
From an early fascination with biology to an unplanned but rewarding career in agricultural science, Dr Kidd’s journey demonstrates the power of curiosity, persistence, and seizing unexpected opportunities.
An unexpected start in agriculture
Unlike many agricultural scientists who grow up on farms or in rural communities, Dr Kidd’s career began with a broad interest in the environment.
He chose to study biology instead of human biology in Years 11 and 12 because of his love for understanding ecosystems and natural processes.
However, he was uncertain about his career path after high school.
This uncertainty led him to enrol at Edith Cowan University, where he completed a Bachelor of Biological Sciences and Environmental Management.
“It covered a lot of disciplines which I hoped would steer me in the direction of a career path,” Dr Kidd said.
“However, coming out of high school and university I didn’t even consider agriculture as a career choice as no opportunities had been presented to me in this area before.”
Building a career in agricultural science
After university, Dr Kidd took a proactive approach to job hunting, cold-calling companies he was keen to work for and handing out business cards, a necessity before LinkedIn became widespread.
This strategy led to work with environmental management companies, including revegetation projects in Rockingham wetlands and the Point Fraser development on Perth foreshore.
Through these networks, Dr Kidd took his first step into agriculture when he secured a casual position threshing pasture seed at The University of Western Australia’s (UWA) Shenton Park Field Station.
“Although a dusty job, the research team working there gave me the context for undertaking the work and it really sparked my interest,” he said.
“I loved this job because of the varied activities such as field work, laboratory work, data management and analysis, writing and regional travel.”
His work ethic and curiosity resulted in a one-year contract, which was later extended to a three-year contract.
After this, he secured a job at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), then known as DAFWA, working in the pasture science team.
“This team had a number of experienced mentors, and I was able to work across multiple projects in plant breeding and agronomy across the state to develop my technical trials expertise,” Dr Kidd said.
After seven years at DPIRD, Dr Kidd returned to UWA to work on a national phosphorus fertiliser project.
This position allowed him to expand his project management and report-writing skills, as well as mentor students and contribute to teaching.
It also provided him with the opportunity to undertake a PhD in Agricultural Science, which he completed in 2024.
After a decade at UWA, he sought a new challenge and took on his current role at the Grower Group Alliance (GGA).
Leading projects for WA’s grower groups
As Head of Projects at GGA, Dr Kidd plays a critical role in connecting research with real-world applications for WA growers.
His work is highly varied, involving project development and grant writing, reviewing grower group reports and compiling reports for funders, contracting, and stakeholder management.
He also focuses on network building, developing resources to help grower groups deliver projects, and creating communities of practice to improve project delivery.
In addition, Dr Kidd coordinates communications and extension activities, manages budgets and invoicing, and delivers presentations at industry events, including grower group events and GRDC Updates.
His role requires frequent travel to regional field days, grower group meetings, and industry events such as Dowerin Field Days and Wagin Woolorama.
While Dr Kidd’s role at Grower Group Alliance is more coordination-focused than research-intensive, his projects remain highly applied and grower-driven.
“The research we undertake at GGA is designed to be producer-led and delivered regionally by grower groups to assist in the extension and adoption of new practices for WA growers,” he said.
“We coordinate projects which have relevance for numerous grower groups across the state and the power of the GGA network allows for these projects to have extensive demonstration and reach.”
The collaborative approach undertaken by GGA has attracted significant investment to WA, and the organisation now participates in and coordinates national projects which increases the network opportunities for WA grower groups.
“We have a strong focus on developing the capacity of grower groups and their staff, and extending their work to a broader audience,” Dr Kidd said.
“We have recently developed some international connections who are envious of the GGA network and the extension and adoption pathways we have for WA research.”
Some of the key initiatives GGA has developed include the South-West Western Australia Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, the National Carbon Farming Outreach Program, and the WaterSmart Dams project.
He is also working on projects such as RiskWi$e, which focuses on economic risk management for growers, Closing the Economic Yield Gap of Grain Legumes in WA project, as well as Frost Management Workshops and Field Days.
Reaping the rewards of agricultural science
For Dr Kidd, the most rewarding part of his job is making a real difference to food production in Western Australia.
He believes everyone in the industry is working towards the same goal, and finds it fulfilling to contribute to practical outcomes for growers.
“As a scientist, I always cared about producing a tangible outcome for growers and undertook all of my research activities with this in mind,” Dr Kidd said.
“WA has some really challenging climates and soils which require innovative agronomic solutions and regionally adapted plants to boost productivity.
“It is very rewarding to be part of any research that helps deliver for WA growers.”
For university students and early-career scientists looking to enter the industry, Dr Kidd emphasises the power of networking, attending events, meeting people, and stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
He also encourages volunteering on projects to gain experience, as it can help develop networks that might lead to future opportunities.
“Face-to-face conversations can be powerful and you sometimes find out about job opportunities that may not have been advertised,” he said.
He also highlights the importance of soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and public speaking, with a number of short courses available to help you stand out from the crowd.
“This is a great time to get into the industry – don’t be put off by not necessarily having the relevant skills and knowledge for a job vacancy as many opportunities can be learnt on the job,” Dr Kidd said.
“So long as you have enthusiasm, inquisitiveness, and a good work ethic, people in this industry will give you a lot of their time.”
Dr Kidd’s journey from casual pasture seed work to leading projects at Grower Group Alliance is a testament to the unexpected paths a career in agricultural science can take.
His story underscores the importance of curiosity, persistence, and taking chances – qualities that continue to shape his impact on Western Australian agriculture today.
For those considering a career in agricultural science, his message is clear: be proactive, keep learning, and embrace opportunities – even the unexpected ones.
Through the WA Agricultural Scientist Spotlight series, WAARC celebrates the contributions of researchers like Daniel Kidd, whose work exemplifies the dedication and innovation needed to advance agricultural science in Western Australia.
By sharing their stories, the series aims to inspire a new generation to pursue careers in this vital field, ensuring the State remains at the forefront of agricultural research and sustainability.