GUYRA teenager JASMINE RAMAGE spent four days at a special conference at the University of New England last week.
The 16-year-old PLC Armidale student writes of her experience at Generation 2050: Project Feed The World …
I PARTICIPATED in an action-packed four days at the University of New England from 1-4 December.
The first day was mostly based around information about the university, early entry, scholarships and a public speaking session.
However, Monday was quite busy. Firstly, we travelled to Petali Merinos in Walcha where we examined their fences and technograzing system.
Following this we drove to Tullimba Feedlot where we had a tour and saw the current methane research machines.
This then led to a drive to Sundown Valley, where we had a presentation, a tour and were shown the technology they use and what they hope to do in the future.
On Tuesday, we spent all day at the university, beginning with a wool science practical with different types of wool, wool faults and the process of wool.
We then went to a soil science practical where we were hands-on testing the pH level of soils and understanding the growth of plants and pastures.
As students came from every state in Australia we had a UNE tour and tour of Armidale.
This then led us to a session understanding careers in the grain industry. Following lunch we got into meat technology and poultry science.
In poultry science, we were taught about the diet of chooks which then led us into practical testing with specialty machines.
The group then went to a computer room where we participated in a farm business practical where we had the challenge to make the highest possible profit out of a farm.
To wrap up the day before the formal dinner, we had a careers session where we learnt professional skills how to write cover letters and resumes.
On the final day we travelled to UNE smart farm “Kirby” where we participated in five rotations.
They included biomass sensing and GPS, LambPlan, spatial monitoring and GPS tracking of livestock, RFID (radio-frequency identification) and walkover weighing, and NBN farming.
It was an amazing experience and one of the best educational experiences I have had.
I am looking forward to going to university and being part of the farming future.
