Farmers and students from the University of Queensland (UQ) Gatton have joined forces to tackle the shortage of qualified graduates in the agricultural and horticultural industries.
Australian and international students in UQ’s plant protection course are monitoring the health of crops in the Lockyer Valley, learning from farmers and crop consultants while developing highly-sought skills in pest identification, integrated pest management (IPM), communication and extension.
Senior Lecturer in Plant Protection Dr Victor Galea said the program was a model for cooperative teaching and learning that benefited both students and the farming community.
“The field experience students gain and their involvement in real-life decision-making complements what they have learned in the lecture room and the laboratory and helps them develop those extra skills employers look for,” Dr Galea said.
“They’re learning how to identify and assess pest and disease problems in the paddock, how to respond to those in the most environmentally and cost effective way and importantly, how to work and communicate with farmers, crop consultants and workers to get the job done.
“Industry also gains. Farmers participating in the program receive valuable assistance in safeguarding the health and value of their crops, while industry as a whole ultimately receives the qualified graduates they are crying out for.”
Dr Galea said UQ continued to field strong industry demand for its agronomy and horticulture graduates, the combined result of a skill shortage, the expansion of the horticultural industry and the University’s commitment to producing graduates with the mix of knowledge and practical experience industry required.
The partnership with the local farming community in the plant protection farm placement program was one way the University fulfilled that commitment, he said.
Joint program coordinator Keith Jackwitz from Vege-Fresh Farms in the Lockyer Valley said farmers also relished the opportunity to participate in the program, passing on some of their expertise and exposing students to commercial farming systems.
“The beauty of the program is that both sides are learning from each other. We’re enjoying the opportunity of working together to meet our industry’s need for bright young graduates who can hit the ground running when they enter the workforce,” Mr Jackwitz said.
“The added benefit is that we’re making some good friendships along the way and building networks that will serve us all well in the future.”
For more information: Dr Victor Galea, (07) 5460 1282 or Brad Henderson, Marketing Coordinator, Faculty of NRAVS, (07) 5460 1229 or 0409.265.587
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