ABOVE: High school students participated in the recent Poultry Hub Australia Ag Day event, held in collaboration with UNE.
National Ag Day in Australia is a momentous occasion dedicated to honouring and celebrating the invaluable contributions of the agricultural sector to the nation’s robust economy and vibrant culture.
This annual event serves as a platform to underscore the significance of sustainable farming practices, while fostering a deep appreciation for Australia’s rich agricultural heritage.
In the spirit of commemorating this meaningful day, Poultry Hub Australia and the University of New England collaborated to run four interactive sessions for high-school students over the course of the day.
The combined efforts materialised in the form of an enriching workshop, specifically tailored to high school agricultural students.
This immersive educational experience took place at the UNE Armidale Campus and aimed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of poultry farming.
Reflecting widespread interest and engagement in this educational initiative, participants hailed either from local schools or embarked on a journey from Kempsey and its surrounding areas.
The sessions were led by Professor Gene Pesti, Dr Eunjoo Kim and Mr Trent McIntyre.
They guided students through a multifaceted exploration of egg and chicken insights, shedding light on the intricacies of the poultry industry.
Furthermore, the workshop explored potential career opportunities in the industry, providing students with valuable knowledge of the diverse pathways available.
A particularly engaging aspect of the workshop was the hands-on practical session focused on egg quality testing.
This immersive experience allowed students to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world context, enhancing their understanding of the complexities involved in ensuring top-notch egg quality within the poultry industry.
Sessions guided students through a multifaceted exploration of egg and chicken insights, shedding light on the intricacies of the poultry industry.
The workshop served not only as an educational forum but also as a platform for fostering connections and expanding the network of young minds passionate about agriculture.
In a similar vein, PHA, the Poultry Research Foundation and AgriFutures Chicken Meat Consortium have come together to host a compelling networking event during the Australian Poultry Science Symposium in February 2024.
The primary goal is to dismantle barriers and foster meaningful connections between academic researchers and industry representatives.
This event, structured as a morning coffee and cake networking function, extends an invitation to mentors from the poultry industry to engage with mentees attending APSS 2024.
Along with myself, Professors Eugeni Roura and Mingan Choct will inaugurate the session with an introduction, setting the stage for vibrant interactions between mentors and mentees throughout the event.
The success of this initiative relies on the recruitment of mentors deeply dedicated to the poultry industry.
Mentor qualifications include an active career in the poultry sector, attendance at APSS 2024 and a commitment to building networks with early career researchers.
Organisers are actively seeking mentors and mentees who recognise the value of a mutually beneficial mentor-mentee relationship.
If you meet the criteria and are keen to participate, reach out to us at poultryhub@une.edu.au
Your involvement can make a significant impact in fostering collaboration and growth within the poultry research community.