Students Succeeding In Certificate II Rural Operations With Assistance From Local Industry

Students at Ingham State High School undertaking Certificate II in Rural Operations are gaining valuable real-world experience, community connections, and inspiration to pursue careers in agriculture.

At the beginning of the course, students focused on Workplace Health & Safety (WH&S) within the agricultural industry and were introduced to the fundamentals of safe tractor operation and the use of various implements. Students gained valuable hands-on experience in the effective operation of both the school's New Holland tractor and the Herbert River Athletics Club’s Kubota lawn tractor and rotary hoe.

Due to unfavourable conditions earlier in the year, it has only recently been possible to begin preparing the school’s agricultural block on the George Day Athletics Oval. Students have now successfully planted sugar cane as well as a range of vegetables, including pumpkins, zucchini, long capsicums and eggplant to enhance their learning and meet course outcomes.

The success of the program is due in large part to the generous support of local farmers, industry companies, and agricultural bodies, including HCPSL and Canegrowers Herbert River. Local farmer, Alan Lynn, donated his time and expertise, along with the use of his Bed Mounder/Renovator, to help students prepare the block for planting.

Regan and Kristen Kernke from Agro Group also kindly donated and spread a full load of mill mud onto the block to assist with soil preparation. This donation not only improved soil health but also significantly reduced the need to purchase fertilisers, supporting the sustainability of the school’s agricultural program.

HCPSL also provided tissue-cultured sugar cane varieties, which students recently planted under the guidance of Field Technician Rhiannan Harragon. These newly released varieties will form part of the school’s entry in the Herbert River Canegrowers Sugar Cane Varieties competition at the annual Ingham Show.

Ingham State High School’s Certificate II in Rural Operations program continues to benefit from the strong partnership between the school and the local agricultural industry. The school extends its sincere appreciation for the ongoing support, which plays a vital role in student success.