Meet Tom Hobbs: bringing practical ag experience and fresh thinking to Emerging Industries

From contract sheep work to chartered accounting, Tom Hobbs’ career has always had one constant. A love of Australian agriculture.

Stepping into the role of Manager, Emerging Industries at AgriFutures Australia, Tom brings a lifetime working in regional Australia, with hands‑on experience with producers and a sharp eye for risk, problem‑solving and opportunity.

“I’ve lived in rural Australia my whole life and spent my entire career working in the ag sector in some shape or form,” Tom said.

“Whether it was contract sheep work, grain receivals at silos, or working with rural clients in accounting, agriculture has always been at the centre of what I do.”

Tom’s early career saw him working across several industries, including steel manufacturing and a rural accounting firm, before joining AgriFutures Australia three years ago in the finance team. During that time, he completed his qualifications to become a Chartered Accountant, studying accounting at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga.

While finance helped strengthen his technical skillset, Tom says he never lost sight of what drew him to agriculture in the first place.

“I loved the practical side of ag work, especially the people,” he said.

“Probably the only thing I missed moving away from contract sheep work was the day‑to‑day interaction with producers.”

That connection is a big part of what attracted him to the Emerging Industries team.

“I really like the idea of having even a small hand in helping Australian agriculture grow,” Tom said.

“Emerging industries are about new ideas and new opportunities, and I’m excited to be involved in that, particularly working closely with producers and stakeholders.”

Although his background is in accounting, Tom is quick to point out that the discipline brings much more than spreadsheets to the table.

“Accounting is more than numbers,” he said.

“It’s about analysing risk, thinking through problems and helping people make better decisions. Those skills are incredibly relevant in emerging industries, where there’s often uncertainty but also huge potential.”

One of the perspectives Tom brings to the role comes from years of working alongside farmers at different stages of their journey.

“I’ve seen the interactions and sometimes tensions between generations of farmers,” he said.

“The clash between ‘this is how we’ve always done it’ and new technology or new ways of doing things. In my experience, both sides usually have some truth and that balance is really important when you’re dealing with change.”

When it comes to working with stakeholders, Tom describes himself as direct, open and people‑focused.

“I prefer communicating in person where possible,” he said.

“You pick up on so much more and it’s easier to spot issues early when someone’s saying yes but their face is saying no.”

He sums up his working style in three words: collaborative, positive and solutions‑focused.

As he begins his role with the Emerging Industries team, Tom is looking forward to building strong relationships and contributing to the future of Australian agriculture.

“I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity to connect with people across the sector and be part of growing Australian ag,” he said.

“There’s a lot of potential in emerging industries, and I’m keen to play my part.”