This project aims to improve the capacity of grains research, development and extension in the Eyre Peninsula region through the employment of annual interns within local research organisations.

In 2024, EPAG Research is hosting a recent graduate to work for 12 months as an intern/trainee in applied grains research, development and extension, located on Eyre Peninsula.  

During the 12 months the intern will gain skills in trial design, trial management, sampling, statistical analysis, general crop agronomy, extension practices including written and oral communication with growers and advisors, and event delivery. They will also have the opportunity to network and attend industry events (e.g. GRDC Updates).     

Under the supervision and mentorship of EPAG Research Director & Research Agronomist Andrew Ware, the intern will run a small research project, where they design, implement, analyse and write up a field trial relevant to growers in the region.

Key achievements and results: 

Alex Busch – 2024 Applied Grains Research Intern

Raised on his family’s sheep and cropping farm outside Saddleworth in the Mid North, Alex is using the internship to apply his Bachelor of Science, majoring in Geographical Information Systems and Soil Science, to the agricultural industry. He is particularly interested in soil management and expanding his extension skills.

In Alex’s own words:

After finishing school, I began a career in surveying while still working on the family property, however, after several years working in civil and construction I wanted a change and to get back to agriculture. I want to make a positive difference in agriculture, particularly in the management of soils.

 

I’m excited to be working on the EP with the vast range of landscapes and challenges, which are significantly different from my own area. I’m looking forward to the learning opportunities that projects addressing these challenges will provide. Education and sharing of knowledge are a passion of mine, which I’m eager to share through extension work.

 

I am fortunate enough to practice this as part of a teaching team that takes students and young professionals from all three of Adelaide’s universities and teaches them about soil pit classification. I’m looking forward to opportunities the internship will provide to build my communication skills and deliver research to where it is needed most.