There's been a surge of activity in education as Cotton Australia staff have been busy hosting hands-on learning experiences across cotton-growing regions and Sydney. The regional events, featuring visits to cotton farms and gins, offer valuable insights into the Australian Cotton industry for both educators and students, sparking interest in cotton careers.
Barker College Hosts HSC Agriculture Students
Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay, along with various agriculture sector leaders, addressed 230 Year 12 Agriculture students from 8 schools at Barker College in Sydney. This gathering represented 15% of all High School Certificate students studying agriculture. The event focused on biotechnology along with showcasing career pathways and opportunities within the cotton industry.
Inverell Students Explore Cotton Farming
Students from Macintyre High, Inverell had the opportunity to visit a cotton farm on their way to the Beef Australia event in Rockhampton. Brad Anderson, a BMP Certified grower from Kerry Downs near Emerald, showed the students and parents various farm operations including picking, bale-grabbing, mulching, and rootcutting. With a majority of students studying agriculture, particularly with livestock backgrounds, the excursion provided a firsthand experience of cotton farming, allowing them to touch, feel, and observe the cotton plant and its processes up close. Additionally, contract picker and operator Rob Ingram from Avondale & Deepfields, both BMP Certified farms, was present to offer insights into the picker, safety protocols, and operational aspects, enhancing the students' understanding of cotton farming.
Boggabilla Central School Students Visit Local Farm
Recently, students from Boggabilla Central School visited a nearby cotton farm in the Macintyre Valley. Accompanied by Cate Wild, Cotton Australia's Regional Manager, they learned about the cotton growing process from local growers. The excursion highlighted the importance of cotton in our region and showcased future career possibilities in our local cotton industry, inspiring even our youngest learners.
Goondiwindi State High School students explore cotton cultivation
Goondiwindi State High School's Year 12 'Agriculture in Practice' classes explored Broadacre Cropping, with 25 students and 4 staff visiting a local farm to learn about cotton cultivation. During the visit, they gained insights into soil preparation, seed selection, row spacing, pest and disease management, crop care, and irrigation practices. The excursion then continued to the Namoi Cotton Gin, where students observed cotton processing and transportation. The event was coordinated by industry experts Cate Wild from Cotton Australia, Grace Griffiths from DataAg and 101 Ag Pathways, and Jock Jackson from the Namoi Cotton Gin, who provided valuable insights into various aspects of cotton production.
St Xavier's Primary School, Gunnedah geography excursion
This week, 55 Year four students, with teachers, enjoyed a trip to Peter Lennox's cotton paddocks on the Breeza plains, followed by a tour of the Carrol Cotton Gin.
Cotton Australia's Education Manager Jenny Hughes and Regional Manager for Northern NSW Alec Macintosh were on hand to talk about the sustainable cotton industry in Australia and the variety of jobs along the supply chain as well as in local communities.
Northwest Regional Careers Expo in Tamworth
At the recent Northwest Regional Careers Expo in Tamworth, Cotton Australia's Education Manager Jenny Hughes and Regional Manager for Northern NSW Alec Macintosh joined over 2000 students from 22 schools. The expo brings together universities, colleges, training services, community organizations, local businesses, and industries to help high school students navigate their career pathways.
Cotton was a drawcard with Alec running the portable mini gin and Jenny activating the new Virtual Reality headsets, allowing them to further chat with students about opportunities to work in the industry.
More ‘Teach the Teacher’ event planned for May across NSW and the NT
Cotton Australia recently hosted ‘Teach the Teacher’ events in Narrabri and Gunnedah and have four more events lined up for the rest of the month across NSW and the NT.
‘Teach the Teacher’ offers educators the chance to visit a local farm and cotton gin in cotton-growing regions. Opportunity to engage directly with farmers and industry experts to learn more about the Australian Cotton industry and discover learning tools and resources to take back to the classroom. The event is free for all educators from Kindergarten to Year 12 and includes a light dinner.
Upcoming dates:
Dirrabandi 21 – May
