Students primed with pathways, pay cheques and passion
CQUniversity researchers, academics and staff brought their expertise to the table at Beef Australia 2024, showcasing the latest agricultural insights, technologies and education pathways with visitors.
In Queensland's Beef capital of Rockhampton, CQUniversity hosted a number of activities - including a seminar, trade stall and property tour to name only a few.
The Pathways, Pay-cheque, and Passion: the adventure of becoming an agricultural professional seminar featured a dynamic panel of speakers, providing a meaty discussion of their pathways into the industry.
This seminar was free to attend for high school students wanting to know more about the career options available in agriculture, exploring how they can be fulfilling and financially rewarding careers.
CQUniversity agriculture spokesman Michael Thomson said a key message from the seminar was that studying agriculture opens doors to a plethora of possibilities across science, technology, engineering, marketing and beyond.
"Studying agriculture isn’t just about being a farmer. We want to shatter the misconception that agriculture is confined to these traditional roles,” Mr Thomson said.
“With 172 000 jobs currently available, there are careers in all domains, and these have only continued to increase.
“As the agricultural landscape evolves with advancements in technology and globalisation, the demand for skilled professionals continues to soar. Our goal is to equip students with the opportunities and knowledge needed to thrive in this dynamic industry.”
The seminar was facilitated by former ABC rural radio reporter Amy McCosker, who now applies her skills as part of CQUniversity’s Agri-Tech and Extension team which is delivering programs across Australia to increase the skills and knowledge of the current and next generation of agricultural workers.
“I completed my Bachelor of Journalism in 2010 before embarking on a career within the ABC where I as fortunate to work on radio, digital and television projects with shows like the Queensland Country Hour and Landline,” she explained.
“It was this exposure that piqued my interest in agriculture, drawing me to leave the media arena and into the tertiary sector of agriculture.
“In my role I have seen firsthand the transformative power of agriculture. It is fulfilling to work in the CQU agri-tech team and develop innovative programs to increase the skills and knowledge of the current and next generation.”
McCosker was joined on the panel by fellow agriculture professionals Jessica Paton of Cibo Labs, Brenden Lydford of Kilcoy Global Foods, and social media influencer Zoe Carter, who discussed their diverse roads to success with the young audience.
“I am a customer support manager where I work with producers to improve their business efficiency and productivity through use of the Cibo Labs technology,” Jessica explained.
“The whole team is fully remote, so I get to live on a property near Roma.
“The opportunities in ag are endless. My job didn’t exist six years ago, so I am excited to see how the industry will look in another six years’ time.”
CQU's engagement activities throughout Beef Australia underscored its commitment to nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders, engaging with industry, stakeholders and the broader community to promote the importance of agricultural education and innovation.
‘Ask and Expert’ sessions at the CQUniversity trade stall connected attendees with more than 50 specialist researchers and educators, ranging from methane mitigation, new feeding systems, ruminant nutrition, smart sensors through to health, education and training opportunities.
Beef attendees were also offered the opportunity to have a behind-the-scenes look at CQU’s Central Queensland Innovation and Research Precinct (CQIRP). The tour showcased the Centre’s state-of-the-art facilities with dedicated laboratory spaces, animal handling facilities, glasshouse facilities, dedicated crop research areas and analytical equipment.
For more information on study pathways and courses visit CQU's Agriculture website.
Transcript
Zoe Carter: that was when I was carting livestock, driving truck. So it's just it's all about connecting the dots back to agriculture.
Jessica Paton: So we're using world leading science and helping producers to practically apply that technology on farm which is really exciting.
My role with Cibo Labs is fully remote so the whole team actually work remotely. I live on a property just outside of Mitchell so I can work from home on that property
Amy McCosker: What do I do if Mom and Dad don't have a farm? Out of the three of you, just a show hands who comes from an ag background.
Just the one out of three.
Brendan Lyford: To be honest, you know I have been to a lot of events like you guys are today and I never thought I'd be where I am now.
Zoe Carter: The thing about contracting, going out, and working in different industries is every job is different and every place is different every station's different, every set of livestock you work with is different every breed is different.
Brendan Lyford: Yeah it's quite an interesting story what sparked the fire was walking out the first day of my employment and said I physically don't want to work that hard for the rest of my life. How do I be that guy?
Jessica Paton: The opportunities are endless. As I said my job didn't exist six years ago. I'm excited to see where it will look in the next six years time.
