Ag students looking towards the future

LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE IN AGRICULTURE… Students from Assumption College in Kilmore listen to Melbourne University, Dookie Campus, associate professor, Graham Brodie explain the science behind microwave weed killing. Photo: Katelyn Morse
LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE IN AGRICULTURE… Students from Assumption College in Kilmore listen to Melbourne University, Dookie Campus, associate professor, Graham Brodie explain the science behind microwave weed killing. Photo: Katelyn Morse

Agriculture is changing and many young students from all walks of life are taking on the lifestyle as a professional vocation.

Around 30 year 11 students from Assumption College in Kilmore, spent a day at Melbourne University, Dookie Campus, to learn from expert scientists at the university, some of the latest innovations that are taking place.

Some of the latest developments in agriculture include recent technology that is being used to detect water stress in crops by using drone technology. Other advances include microwave adaptation that is being used to kill weeds and then there are robotics being utilised to automate milking and monitor cow health.

According to Assumption College teacher, Frank Pereira, the purpose of the tour was to allow the students to look at agriculture from a different perspective. At the school they have a garden plot as well as a number of animals that form part of their learning.

Around 30 percent of the students doing the agriculture subject come from a farming background, for the rest this is their introduction. While he feels many will take up a farming future, some 5 percent will go on to tertiary level training.