Building regional research capability is essential to ensuring growers continue to have access to locally relevant research, extension and innovation.
The Eyre Peninsula Internship in Applied Grains Research provided a recent agricultural science graduate with hands-on experience in applied grains research, supporting regional research capacity while creating a pathway for early-career researchers to build long-term careers on Eyre Peninsula. Delivered by AIR EP in partnership with SARDI Minnipa Agricultural Centre, the internship combined practical field research, professional development and industry engagement to strengthen the region’s research and extension capability.
Project description:
The internship was established to address the ongoing need for skilled applied grains researchers on Eyre Peninsula by providing graduates with practical experience in regional research and extension. Hosted by SARDI Minnipa Agricultural Centre and delivered by AIR EP, the program exposes interns to the full research process, including trial establishment, crop monitoring, data collection, statistical analysis, extension, communication and industry engagement.
Since its establishment, the internship has supported a number of emerging researchers, each undertaking independent research projects while contributing to broader grains research across the region. In 2024, intern Alex Busch focused on developing his skills in soil science, extension and spatial technologies while contributing to research addressing the diverse farming systems and landscapes of Eyre Peninsula. Planning and recruitment for the 2026 internship commenced during 2025, attracting strong interest from graduates and reinforcing the program’s reputation as an important pathway into regional grains research.
In 2026, Anna Osmond commenced as the Eyre Peninsula Applied Grains Research Intern. Working alongside the SARDI Minnipa team, Anna contributed to seasonal field trials across upper Eyre Peninsula while developing her own research project investigating phosphorus fertiliser availability across different soil types. She also participated in professional development through the Facilitating Learning and Change workshop and the Agronomy Conference, building both technical capability and professional networks.
Key achievements and results:
The internship has become an important pathway for developing the next generation of applied grains researchers on Eyre Peninsula. Across successive years, the program has provided graduates with practical experience in regional research, extension and industry engagement while strengthening collaboration between AIR EP, SARDI Minnipa Agricultural Centre, SAGIT and the SA Drought Hub.
The 2026 internship continued this momentum by embedding Anna Osmond within the Eyre Peninsula grains RD&E network. Throughout the season, Anna gained practical experience in trial establishment, sowing operations, project planning and crop agronomy while contributing to a range of applied grains research projects. She also commenced an independent research project investigating phosphorus fertiliser availability, comparing conventional and emerging phosphorus fertiliser sources across contrasting soil types.
Professional development remained a strong focus of the program. Alongside field research, Anna participated in extension training, industry events and communication activities promoting the internship through newsletters, regional media, social media and the AIR EP website. These activities helped increase awareness of regional careers in agricultural research while strengthening the communication and extension skills needed to support future grower adoption of research outcomes.
The program continues to receive strong support from the Eyre Peninsula grains industry, with stakeholders recognising the internship as an important investment in regional research capability and a practical pathway for attracting and retaining skilled researchers within the region. Strong interest in the 2026 recruitment process further reinforced the value of the program and its role in supporting the long-term delivery of locally relevant grains research and extension.
Further information: