An array of regional talent shone through at this year’s Local Land Services Schools Property Planning Competition, delivering promising signs of the fresh, young minds that will be shaping the agricultural sector in the future.
Image - Local Land Services District Vet discussed the importance of biosecurity on-farm with students from Glen Innes High School at the Schools Property Planning Competition Field Day.
The Local Land Services Schools Property Planning Competition gives high school agriculture students first-hand experience in investigating the real life challenges faced by local farmers.
Northern Tablelands Local Land Services run this event to promote whole farm planning as a valuable process that supports our region’s farmers to create thriving businesses and contribute to the health of the natural resource base in our region.
“The competition provides an avenue for the youth of our region to develop practical skills in agriculture and encourages students to pursue a career in agriculture. It fosters the growth of real world skills in students and encourages them to look at the entire farming system as a whole,” said Local Land Services Farm Planning Officer and competition organiser, Kim Deans.
Over the 21 year history of the program, thousands of students across the region have significantly improved their capacity, skills, knowledge and understanding to undertake strategic farm planning, sustainable natural resource management and agricultural best management practice activities once they enter the workforce.
Many participating students have continued with tertiary agriculture studies and returned to work in the region. This has included agriculture teachers with their own students involved in the Schools Property Planning Competition and agricultural extension and advisory officers including some of our Local Land Services staff.
Congratulations to O’Connor Catholic College students Courtney Reeves, Bonnie Woods, Isabella Craig and Charlie Smith on their 2018 Local Land Services Schools Property Planning Competition winning entry, with support from agriculture teacher, Janet Price.
Congratulations to Runners Up Kareena Dawson, Caitlin Honeysett, Matthew Smith and Dylan Sutton, also from O’Conner Catholic College and to Highly Commended students from The Armidale School, Nick Corderoy, Angus Earle and Hugh McDouall.
“Our winning entries were well researched and presented, demonstrating a good understanding of the importance of grazing management, biodiversity, drought planning and biosecurity in a profitable farming business,” Kim said.
“It is encouraging to see the important role played by our young students in ensuring our agricultural industries have a bright and prosperous future.”
The Local Land Services Schools Property Planning Competition awards presentation was held as part of UNE’s Farming Futures Agweek.
Northern Tablelands Local Land Services would like to thank the University of New England and Regional Development Australia – Northern Inland for their support of the 2018 Local Land Services Schools Property Planning Competition.
