February 2012

Agriculture - out in the thick of it!

On December 5th -9th of 2011, in the glorious north west of Tasmania, 23 keen year 11 and 12 students attended the annual Industry Placement Camp with the Primary Industry Centre for Science Education (PICSE). The enthusiastic group visited numerous local primary industries to gain an understanding of the diversity and vibrancy of these industries.  Local industries visited included Brandsema Tomatoes, Harvest Moon, Peracto and Agvita Labs, with a visit from Hobart ‘Soil Guru’ Dr Richard Doyle to do some ‘get your hands dirty’ soil analysis at a north-west local site.

Students were encouraged to engage with these different industries to understand the range and depth of the Agricultural industries in Tasmania. This was of particular interest to those students who travelled from interstate: Rudi McEwin (GrowSmart), Alexandra Earl (USQ) and Stephanie Hawkins (CSU).

Highlights of the camp that were well received by the students included roadside soils testing (pH, soil texture etc.), and an analysis establishing a difference between samples taken above and below a roadside site. We also completed a site visit to Peracto learning about cutting edge research, development and related scientific and technical services the company provides to private and corporate clients.

All 16 local north-west industries presenting to the students expressed enthusiasm for their chosen profession in science. An underlying theme in all presentations (spontaneously provided), was that students should, first and foremost choose a study program that they are passionate about. 

Students in January 2012 are completing their placement with various primary industries around the state, and will have the opportunity on February 2nd to report back to industries on their experience at UTAS campuses Cradle Coast, Launceston and Hobart. For more information on PICSE programs contact kelly.spence@utas.edu.au or 6226 2618.