With University of Tasmania graduates like Joseph Lawrence, the future of agriculture is in good hands.
Along with peers from the Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Master of Agricultural Science and Food Science, Joseph celebrated his University of Tasmania graduation on 18 December.
Joseph has been acknowledged by Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) teaching staff for his academic achievements during his degree, receiving three awards at the Agricultural Science End of Year Awards Ceremony.
He’s the recipient of the Derwent Agricultural Prize that’s awarded for the best overall results at third year level in the Bachelor of Agricultural Science.
The student from Meander in northern Tasmania is also the recipient of the Sir Harold Cuthbertson Prize that’s awarded to a final year student who shows the greatest potential to make a significant contribution to agricultural production in Tasmania.
“It is slightly intimidating, but I think it sets me a challenge and that’s a good thing, I always like to face a challenge, I always think that brings out the best in me,” he said.
“It’s really nice to have the effort that I’ve put into my academic journey rewarded in such a direct manner.
“Even though I’ve received these awards the real reward for putting the effort in is learning and the networking and connections I’ve made with lecturers and students, I think that is as important as anything.
“Especially in agriculture having connections and knowing where to find the relevant information and expertise is really important because of the diverse nature of agriculture.
“The degree covers a lot of topics. It’s given me a really good understanding. It’s given me slightly different skills than I thought and a great base to build further knowledge on,” Joseph said.
Joseph also received the Jim Yates Prize in Agronomy, which is awarded to the student with the highest achievement in the agronomy unit.
Farming is in his blood. His family runs a 1200-head dairy farm in Meander.
He will soon start a graduate program in South Australia working on a feedlot.
“I’ll get to see different aspects of the business over there and develop an understanding of animal management,” he said.
“After that I have aspirations of running my own farm at some stage, that’s probably going to be dairy or beef but that’s open to change. Agriculture is changing very quickly.”
This is the first year that the Professor Tom McMeekin Prize was awarded in honour of the late Professor Tom McMeekin AO who’s acknowledged as one of the world’s leading food microbiologists. Professor McMeekin’s expertise established new systems of improving food safety around the world.
The prize was awarded to Ramida Varahakaporn in recognition of her outstanding masters research thesis in the discipline of microbiology, food safety, food science or related fields.
Her research was on the impact of cold storage and second-grade fruit on the quality of free-dried berries.
The Bachelor of Agricultural Science is delivered by the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture.
TIA Director Professor Mike Rose said agricultural science graduates are in high demand and it’s estimated by the Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture there are six jobs Australia-wide for every graduate.
“The Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree offers a diversity of career paths and opportunities. It can lead to a range of careers in the private, government and non-government sectors not only on farms, but in scientific research, business, policy and regulation,” Professor Rose said.
“Our graduates are highly sought after by industry and students often have job offers before they graduate.”