Students explore Katherine Research Station
Last month around 30 students from Katherine High School and their sister school, Warakirri College in Sydney visited the Katherine Research Station to explore the ongoing research at the station and the various job opportunities within the agriculture industry.
Last month around 30 students from Katherine High School and their sister school, Warakirri College in Sydney visited the Katherine Research Station to explore the ongoing research at the station and the various job opportunities within the agriculture industry.
The tour commenced with an introduction to biosecurity – the prevention of harmful agents from entering or leaving places that could endanger animals, people or food.
DAF Plant Biosecurity Officer Sue Pearce emphasized the significance of utilising footbaths and vehicle washdown facilities before entering or exiting farm areas to minimise the risk of transferring diseases or pests between different locations. After the students had “dipped” their shoes in the footbath, we proceeded to the horticulture block via the vehicle washdown bay.
At the horticulture block, DAF Horticulture Team Leader Jashan Kaur showcased the various trial plots of mangoes, avocados and agave, explaining the research being conducted. The rootstock-scion trial in mangoes aims to evaluate how different combinations (through grafting) affect tree vigour (size) and fruit yield. The agave trials are designed to assess the suitability of various varieties giving growers a practical understanding of the crop’s performance under local conditions. The avocado trial focuses on identifying best practices for northern Australia, including which varieties are best suited to the region’s climate and growing conditions.
The tour then moved to the cattle yards, where the students enjoyed an entertaining working dog show, featuring DAF Farm Management Technical Officer Wil Mathers skilfully using his team of Kelpies to work the cattle. KRS Livestock Extension Officers Stacey Holzapfel and Mary Williams gave insights into livestock and rangeland research projects happening on KRS, Victoria River Research Station (Kidman Springs) and commercial stations. The students learnt about different breeds and classes of cattle they could see in the yards and got their hands on some of the data collection tech used by Livestock Industries staff.
After a quick recess, we headed to Putland Paddock, where DAF Cropping Group Leader Edward Mwando and Drew Portman (Cropping Research Scientist) discussed some of the ongoing cropping trials. The cotton configuration trial aims to investigate different row spacing and planting patterns to optimise production. Meanwhile, the cotton nutrition trial examines how various nutrients influence plant growth, yield and quality. We then explored the various types of insects present in the cotton crop with our DAF entomologist Simon Ong.
KRS Livestock Extension Officer Stacey Holzapfel concluded the tour by expressing her gratitude to everyone and highlighting the diverse range of career opportunities in agriculture – from driving tractors to fixing them, mustering cattle, flying drones, evaluating research data and identifying pests and diseases – there’s something for everyone.
KRS staff encourage schools to visit the facility and are eager to offer valuable work experience opportunities to interested students.
