New internship position in the Mallee to be funded by SAGIT and SA Drought Hub
A new intern position to be based in the South Australian Mallee region will be funded through a joint project with the South Australian Grain Industry Trust and the South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub.
The SA Mallee Regional Internship in Farming Systems and Applied Grains Research and Extension position will be hosted by Mallee Sustainable Farming (MSF) and provides an opportunity for an early career graduate to pursue a career in applied research and extension.
SAGIT chair Dr Andrew Barr said the organisation had long recognised the importance of internships in building capacity within the grains industry and was pleased the Mallee region would now host an intern alongside successful internship programs on the Eyre Peninsula and in the Mid North.
“SAGIT believes that developing the careers of professionals in ag research, extension, teaching and farming is crucial to the future of field crop ag in SA,” he said.
“SAGIT has been delighted with the success of intern programs run at Hart, Minnipa, Eyre Peninsula and SARDI and we are now very pleased to work with MSF to undertake the first intern trained in the Mallee region.
“We hope that the intern program will expand even further in the future and would like to acknowledge the vital contribution of partners to the various intern programs including Hart Field-Site Group, AIR EP, EP AG Research and SARDI.”
SA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub Director Dr Stephen Lee said it was exciting to be able to partner with SAGIT, MSF and SARDI.
“It is excellent we can now expand the intern program to a new region with Mallee Sustainable Farming, he said.
“This internship strengthens the Hub’s efforts to build local capacity and support drought resilience for South Australian farmers and communities. By co-funding projects like these, we can make a meaningful impact on drought and climate resilience in South Australia’s agricultural sector.”
The intern will gain hands-on experience of regional research and develop an understanding of the challenges of farming in a low rainfall zone.
While primarily being supervised by MSF Research Manager Dr Penny Roberts, the intern will be mentored by an MSF farmer member, who will provide insight into the practicalities of farming in the Mallee, its challenges and rewards. The intern will also work closely with other MSF team members and consultants.
The intern will work on projects that have been prioritised by MSF and local farmers, such as crop rotations, amelioration, soil variability, weed management, soil moisture and risk management and business development.
Communication and extension activities including social media and report writing, as well as presenting at industry events, will be a key focus of the role.
As part of the program, the intern will undertake formal training based on their existing knowledge, such as developing research statistical knowledge, improving communication and presentation skills, or conducting extension and facilitation skills training.
The successful candidate will begin in the 12-month position in February 2025.