Agritec Centre to teach farming of the future
Posted On: Friday, 12 March 2010
The country’s first dedicated agritechnology educational centre opened on March 11 at AgResearch’s state-of-the-art dairy research and development farm at Tokanui. The purpose built learning facility is the result of a unique partnership led by Wintec (Waikato Institute of Technology) that will see secondary and tertiary students nationwide, as well as farmers and agricultural workers, experience the latest in agritechnology using innovative learning technologies.
Established by Wintec in partnership with AgResearch, Waikato Innovation Park, Agriculture ITO and the Coalition for 21st Century Schools, using establishment funding from the Tertiary Education Commission, the centre will use rich media resources and data from AgResearch’s farm to deliver science, technology, environmental and farming education.
Chief executive Mark Flowers says the aim is to help address widespread concerns that not enough students are doing science, engineering or technology degree programmes, with the risk that New Zealand may lose important research and engineering capability in the land-based industries.
“This is a great way to showcase the possibilities that exist within the agricultural sector, particularly in relation to agritechnology - for those already in industry as well as those considering it as a career.”
“The really exciting part is being able to convert current data from AgResearch’s farm into resources for students throughout the country, using the internet and technology such as PDAs to make learning the scientific and technological aspects of farming fun and relevant.”
AgResearch Chief Executive Dr Andrew West says the Wintec Agritec Centre will provide a window into their research farm that can be used to train students, farmers and other personnel across the agriculture sector.
“Student and industry engagement with new technologies, farm systems and environmental practices is essential in keeping New Zealand at the forefront of global agriculture. We’re pleased that Tokanui, a high quality and commercially relevant research farm, is part of making this possible.”
Dr Debbie Care, an experienced scientist, farmer and dairy industry consultant, has been employed as the centre’s lead educator. Over the coming months, she will be developing a range of applied, evidence-based courses and resources to deliver to students in the Agritec Centre, as well as online resources for other trainers, teachers and tutors. Farmers and other industry professionals will be offered ‘smart classes’ and resources on relevant topics, and over time the website will offer self-directed learning.
“This is not your typical classroom environment; in fact it’s far from it. Students will get an insight into the various aspects of a high technology dairy farming system including milking and other farming technologies, soil, weather, environmental sustainability, and management,” explains Dr Care. “From taking soil samples, to engaging with an industry expert via the web or working alongside a scientist on a current project, students will get a taste of what the industry has to offer and they will benefit from engaging with real people in real careers.”
The first students to the centre arrive at the end of the month. A group of Waikato secondary school science and chemistry students will explore why soil health is important using weather data and recent soil tests from the farm.