A Shoalhaven beef producers group has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the ABC’s Heywire Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal to provide practical industry experience to students from three local high schools.
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The project, initiated by the South Coast Beef Producers Association (SCBPA), will provide opportunities for hands-on exposure to the industry for students studying agriculture at Bomaderry, Nowra and Shoalhaven High Schools.
SCBPA’s recently appointed executive officer Rob Stafford said the project will encourage closer engagement between schools and the beef industry.
Not everyone wants to or has the opportunity to be a farmer but other careers such as journalism, science, engineering, computing and marketing all provide worthwhile careers in agriculture.
- Rob Stafford, SCBPA Executive Officer
“It will also provide greater opportunity for participating students to identify and follow a pathway into agriculture as a career and industry of choice,” Mr Stafford said.
“Fostering young peoples’ interest in agriculture at an early age and providing the opportunity to learn and develop skills will also provide an understanding of the issues faced by people in the industry and help keep young people engaged and employed in the industry.
“There are many careers within the agricultural industry and it is hoped that this project will provide students with an understanding of the range of careers available in the sector.
“Not everyone wants to or has the opportunity to be a farmer but other careers such as journalism, science, engineering, computing and marketing all provide worthwhile careers in agriculture.”
The project to encourage students to pursue a career in agriculture could not have come along at a better time with the industry buoyed by soaring cattle prices.
Meat and Livestock Australia statistics show the national beef herd is at a 20-year low, creating a shortfall of supply to meet demand. It was also reported restocker purchases of young cattle had increased by 20 per cent during July, forcing processors into their lowest acquisitions in over six years, down 50 per cent.
“This highlights where the strength in the cattle market is being generated,” Mr Stafford said.
“The biggest unknown impacting on young cattle prices is how deep are the restockers’ pockets.”