QFF Graduate Program
In 2019, HCPSL was part of the QFF (Queensland Farmers Federation) Agricultural Extension Work Placement Program.
The program allowed a cohort of graduates the opportunity to be mentored by experienced industry experts. This allowed graduates to gain skills and experience to support agricultural producers located throughout the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) Catchments in improving their land management practices.
Graduates were employed for 12 months to assist the delivery of extension services through their host organisations, like HCPSL, supported by mentoring from experienced advisors and a tailored training program. Graduates had the opportunity to build professional and local networks with their fellow graduates, industry advisors, previous graduates as well as in their local communities.
Ellie McVeigh was hosted by Herbert Cane Productivity Services Ltd, based in Ingham. Ellie graduated from the University of Queensland Gatton campus and holds a Bachelor of Agribusiness and Bachelor of Applied Science, majoring in Agronomy. Having grown up on a broad acre cropping property, Ellie has a passion for seeing producers become not only profitable, but also sustainable into the future.
Throughout the program, Ellie thoroughly enjoyed working with growers and forming relationships with other stakeholders in the community and the broader sugarcane industry. Ellie believes extension activities provide a vital bridge between researchers and primary producers. She hopes to provide education and advice to empower growers to make informed and sustainable management decisions.
To read more about Ellie’s experience in QFF’s Agricultural Extension Work Placement Program, click here for the full article.
