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in Farmer's Inside Track

Podcast: Agriscience was a no-brainer for Pyoos

As a little girl, Georgette Pyoos enjoyed exploring the world around her born with insatiable curiosity. So her eventual career destination as a junior researcher at the Agricultural Research Council was written in the stars

by Octavia Avesca Spandiel
31st May 2023
Georgette Pyoos, a  junior researcher in animal breeding, genetics, and reproductive physiology at the Agricultural Research Council. Photo: Food For Mzansi

Georgette Pyoos, a  junior researcher in animal breeding, genetics, and reproductive physiology at the Agricultural Research Council. Photo: Food For Mzansi

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Georgette Pyoos knew early on that a career in science, which ultimately led to agricultural science and research, was her calling.  As a junior researcher in animal breeding, genetics, and reproductive physiology at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), she joins this edition of Farmer’s Inside Track to share advice for new and developing agriculturalists, specifically for livestock producers.  

As a child growing up, Pyoos’ mother could see that her daughter was inquisitive.

“My mother always described me as a happy and hyped child. I would say I was very creative and very curious. We did not have a lot growing up though I did have what I needed and I made do,” she explains.

For her the journey was no different, the advantage of growing up with little meant that she had the entire world to explore. “I grew up in a loving, stable home, both my parents were attentive throughout my childhood,” she says.

In the episode, she talks about how her relationship with her siblings grounds her and helps her to grow.

Career highlights

Historically, choosing a career within the agricultural field as a woman has not always been celebrated. However, Pyoos explains that she has always enjoyed the support of her family.

She also shares that initially, she wanted to be a veterinarian. However, as time progressed, science made more sense for Pyoos. “To be honest to become a vet required a lot of discipline and focus and I don’t think I had that in my early 20s.”

In this episode, Pyoos also discusses:

  • Challenges faced as a woman in science; and
  • Current research focus.

Want to know more? Listen to the full episode of Farmer’s Inside Track. 

Option 1: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices).

Option 2: Click here to listen on any Apple device. 

Option 3: Click here to listen on Google Podcast.

READ NEXT: Grab indaba tickets before they’re gone

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Octavia Avesca Spandiel

Raised by a close-knitted family who loves her deeply, Octavia believes in the philosophy of ‘I am because you are'. This former news and content editor for radio is now living her best life in the agricultural sector as a commercial journalist at Food For Mzansi. Her soft spot for poetry and passion for life, writing and traveling inspires her to write compelling stories. Apart from being an excellent writer, Octavia has an educational background in youth work and loves working with people. 

Tags: Agricultural Research Council (ARC)Commercialising farmerLivestockResearcherStimulate me
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