South Australian student Amelia Sutherland hadn’t considered a career in the dairy industry but taking part in a Tasmanian agricultural camp has changed all that.
She was one of 21 year 11 and 12 students who participated in The Feed Your Mind, Feed the World camp organised by the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) to open student’s eyes to the possibilities of a career in agriculture.
The three-day camp is held in north-west Tasmania each December and is aimed at students who are interested in learning more about agricultural science and career pathways stemming from an agricultural science degree at the University of Tasmania.
“I have always had an interest in agriculture,” Ms Sutherland said.
“I grew up on a farm and I’ve always wanted to go back to the farm so I reckon I will have something to do with agriculture.
“I definitely want to work in the meat industry or maybe even a dairy. I’m quite interested in dairy after visiting the TIA Dairy Research Facility and looking at all the different things you can do and all the new technologies you can use.”
The camp allows students to observe and interact with several diverse agricultural industries and learn about the advantages of studying agricultural science in Tasmania.
Students visited the Costa berry farm, Spreyton Cider, Flowerdale Flowers fresh cut flower operation, a free-range piggery at Mount Gnomon Farm, vegetable farming and processing business Premium Fresh, private farms as well as TIA's Vegetable Research Facility and TIA's Dairy Research Facility.
TIA teaching staff from accompany students during the camp, and specific degree details and information on studying at the University of Tasmania is provided.
TIA student outreach coordinator and camp organiser, Dr Harriet Walker, said the camp is a great opportunity for students to experience hands-on learning of agricultural science.
“We host the Feed Your Mind, Feed the World camp every year to expose students to the diversity of the agricultural industry in Tasmania as well as career opportunities,” she said.
“It’s an opportunity to help college students broaden their perspective, decide what career is right for them and it’s a perfect opportunity to find out if agriculture is a good pathway.”
“We want to show them what ag science is really all about and many are surprised by the diversity of career opportunities that are available in agriculture.”
Tasmanian student Ben Pafitis said the camp has given him an insight into the Tasmanian agricultural industry.
“I’m so much keener on getting into agriculture now because I’ve now actually seen first-hand aspects of the agriculture industry instead of reading online,” he said.
“It’s great to be in the field and that’s my preferred way of learning.”