With a passion for food security, sustainability and the desire to apply science practically, fourth year student at The University of Melbourne, Annie Yu has fitted seamlessly within the BCG team.
“Ag is so broad,” Ms Annie Yu explains. “My first work experience placement was a study I completed in Indonesia with an NGO to learn more about food security. Being in the rice fields, talking with farmers, it cemented for me that I want to be working on the ground, with those who grow our food.”
This experience is what led Annie to BCG: “I realised I didn’t want to be working separately from farmers so BCG was a natural choice for my second placement. Being farmer driven, I’m immersing myself in work at BCG that is meaningful to farmers. I’m interacting with them regularly while out in the field sowing trials and undertaking assessments.”
Ms Yu is being hosted by BCG founding members Ian and Anne McClelland which has enabled her to gain a holistic understanding of how science is applied on-farm.
“Having grown up in Melbourne with no ties to agriculture in my family, I really value this time, working at the grass roots level, developing a connection to the research and the bigger picture,” Ms Yu said.
Birchip P-12 School students
BCG is also hosting two Birchip P-12 School students, year 11 agricultural student Clarice Bennett and Year 10 agriculture student Torey Atkinson.
The students have been working alongside Ms Yu, Senior Manager of Research Dr Yolanda Plowman and Operations Manager Genevieve Clarke weighing and packing seed for trials and undertaking emergence assessments for safflower and canola times of sowing. Students will also see how BCG trials are sown and learn the importance of research such as BCG’s long and short coleoptile work at Kinnabulla.
Dr Yolanda Plowman said BCG values its role in providing agricultural work experience for both secondary and university students: “We feel privileged that so many students choose to do their work experience at BCG. We value the importance of this role in not only providing positive, hands-on experiences but also promoting the opportunities available in the agriculture industry and the impact the industry has on the broader community.”
“Genevieve has been generously giving her time and sharing her expertise, ensuring the students gain a well-rounded picture of working in agriculture.”
Birchip P-12 Assistant Principal and VCE Coordinator Russell Christie said: “Through work experience students obtain exposure to workplaces, enhance employability skills and are made aware of a wide array of career choices. Students obtain confidence in themselves and realise the importance of studying hard at school to increase post-school options.”
“Birchip P-12 School thanks BCG and all our employers for providing opportunity to our students.”
