The aim of this project is to improve the capacity of grains research, development and extension in the Eyre Peninsula region through the employment of an annual intern within local research organisations in 2026. This project will also further develop applied research skills of recent graduates so they will be able to make an improved contribution to the grains RD&E industry in SA. This internship has been named in honour of inaugural SAGIT Chair Ken Schaefer and recognises his contribution to agriculture on the EP. This project is a co-investment, with the SA Drought Hub providing $50,000 of the total funding.
Amanda Cook, AIR EP
The aim of this project is to improve the capacity of grains research, development and extension in the Eyre Peninsula region through the employment of an annual intern within local research organisations in 2026. This project will also further develop applied research skills of recent graduates so they will be able to make an improved contribution to the grains RD&E industry in SA. This internship has been named in honour of inaugural SAGIT Chair Ken Schaefer and recognises his contribution to agriculture on the EP. This project is a co-investment, with the SA Drought Hub providing $50,000 of the total funding.
$150,000
The 2025 SPAA Precision Ag Expo was held on 27 March 2025 in Wallaroo. This conference-style event brings together growers, researchers, agronomists, precision ag (PA) consultants and the education sector. The 2025 event explored the latest applications of PA developments in relation to soils, seeding, satellites, sensors and other tech, as well as spraying (in terms of targeted weed management).
The intern will gain hands-on experience of regional research and develop an understanding of the challenges of farming in a low rainfall zone. Through mentoring by an MSF farmer member, the intern will gain insight into the practicalities of farming in the Mallee, its challenges and rewards. The intern will work on projects that have been prioritised by MSF and local farmers, such as crop rotations, amelioration, soil variability, weed management, soil moisture and risk management and business development. This project was funded through and out-of-session application in October 2024 and is a co-investment, with the SA Drought Hub providing 50% of the total funding.
This project will employ an intern to build the human capacity of the grain-livestock industry, particularly in the areas of research, development and extension and drought resilience in the Limestone Coast (south east SA). This project is a co-investment, with the SA Drought Hub providing 50% of the total funding.