In order to provide an opportunity for young members of the agricultural industry to be involved in the research and development of the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP), Angus Australia and Charles Sturt University have awarded internships to two students.
Following on from a number of years of collaboration with the university to provide the internship program, Bachelor of Veterinary Technology student Ginger Soames and Bachelor of Agricultural Science student, Georgia Smith were both selected to partake in the Angus Australia and Charles Sturt University internship, which will see them assist the ASBP through helping collect research data from the CSU cattle herd, which serves as a co-operator herd in the ASBP program.
The opportunity will see the interns gain insight into the research elements of the ASBP, assisting with the Artificial Insemination (AI) of the Angus herd and collecting calving details.
The ASBP utilises the Charles Sturt herd for cutting edge genetics research through generating progeny test data on modern Angus Bulls, generating data for the validation and refinement of the Trans Tasman Angus Cattle Evaluation (TACE). The program works to build a comprehensive phenotype and genotype Angus reference population for genetic analysis and cutting-edge research and development.
Angus Australia’s Strategic Project Manager Christian Duff said that, “The internship offers a great opportunity for these students to get a greater understanding of a research project that actively contributes to the research and development of the Angus breed,” said Mr Duff.
“Angus Australia mutually benefits from having the interns, who are dedicated and interested in developing their experience within the beef industry and assisting in collecting information for the ASBP.”
Charles Sturt University Farm Manager James Stephens confirmed that the intern program, provides many benefits for those taking part.
“Now in our fourth year, the internship program has provided a great opportunity for many students to get hands on with the farm commitments associated with the Benchmarking Program, but more importantly, exposed them to a range of highly respected beef industry experts in a range of fields, including Rangers Valley feedlot, John Dee abattoir, CSIRO, fellow Angus breeders and of course Angus Australia.”
“This has led to honours projects and industry relationships that will help kick start their beef career whilst studying their undergraduate degree. It has been great watching these students gain skills and self-confidence throughout the year while helping on the program and I hope that this can continue and give more students this experience in the future.”
About the Interns:
