Study tour beefs up student knowledge
An immersive study tour designed to boost global agriculture has seen a group of CQUniversity students travel to Indonesia.
The tour provided a comprehensive insight into the country’s diverse beef supply chains and farming systems, with a focus on international collaboration, partnerships, and joint research opportunities.
Associate Professor of Agriculture Dr Karen Harper said the program was instrumental in equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a global agricultural landscape.
"Our goal was to instill an appreciation for the complexity of food supply chains, the importance of sustainable farming practices, and the potential for agricultural advancement to secure the industry's future,” she said.
“We focused on the interconnectedness of agricultural practices, food security, and farmer empowerment, while considering the economic, cultural, and environmental factors shaping agriculture in Indonesia."
She explained that the tour covered three main regions and institutions with a special focus on the University of Mataram, with whom CQUniversity has a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
“The students were able to experience the CQU campus in Jakarta before attending IPB (Institut Pertanian Bogor) University in Bogor,” Dr Harper explained.
"There they worked on an Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research funded project with CQU’s Dr David McGill on Indodairy2. Students visited local villages to see firsthand dairy and beef production, as well as large feedlots."
At the University of Gadjah Mada located in Yogyakarta in central Java, they explored tea, coffee, cocoa plantations and horticultural production.
“The final leg was the University of Mataram in Lombok with a focus on indigenous cattle production in more extensive farming systems.
“The University of Mataram was very generous with their time and hospitality, providing electric push bikes for campus tours and guiding us to villages, mountains and beaches. We even attended a local wedding.”
To help support their participation in the program, seven undergraduate students each received a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant valued at $3,300.
Final year Bachelor of Agriculture student Tyler Aspinall said she was grateful for the opportunity which allowed her to compare Indonesian and Australian systems, developing a broader perspective on agriculture.
“Participating in the New Colombo Plan-funded trip to Indonesia was an incredibly enriching experience that has had a lasting impact on both my education and career aspirations,” Tyler said.
“As someone deeply interested in biosecurity and live export logistics, this program provided an invaluable opportunity to witness Indonesia’s beef production systems firsthand and understand the complexities involved in international agricultural practices.
“What stood out most was the ability to apply my academic learning in a real-world context. From understanding on-the-ground biosecurity practices to experiencing the re-entry process into Australia, every aspect of the trip helped bridge the gap between theory and practice. This hands-on experience has not only strengthened my professional skills but also reinforced my passion for contributing to international agricultural cooperation."
An additional study tour will take place later this year with funding for another 13 students to expand on the ongoing research activities, programs and projects.
“For anyone considering the program, I highly recommend it,” Tyler said.
“It’s a unique chance to gain cross-cultural insights, build industry-relevant experience, and grow both personally and professionally.”
The program is open to agriculture students at CQUniversity.
