UQ celebrates 20 years of agribusiness graduates

The University of Queensland’s (UQ) Agribusiness and Rural Management students recently joined industry partners, government representatives and staff at a black tie dinner in the Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre to celebrate the 20- year contribution of the program to the agricultural industry.

Professor Ray Collins and colleague Associate Professor Tony Dunne, from the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences at UQ were honoured at the event for introducing the Bachelor of Agribusiness two decades ago.

The two academics embarked on the development of an innovative degree to ensure graduates were ‘industry ready’, with core business skills gained by completing research projects and case studies for local and international food and fibre companies.

“We have now completed about 70 overseas research projects for more than 50 companies, taking Agribusiness students to 16 different countries,” Professor Collins said.

“No other university business degree can claim that sort of a record, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the sustained support of industry over the last 20 years.

“Graduates from Agribusiness often have a problem deciding which job offer to accept.

“There are more jobs than graduates and the starting salaries are better than for many other university degrees.

“Graduates commonly rise to senior management in fields as diverse as agribusiness banking, commodity trading, international consulting, agribusiness marketing or running their own business.”

The Honourable John McVeigh, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry was the guest speaker on the night, offering advice to the students on the important role they will play in the Agricultural industry.

Mr McVeigh, who completed postgraduate studies in agribusiness at UQ, said he understood first hand the hard work and dedication of students.

At the dinner the Queensland Cotton Award for overall dedication, excellence and commitment to the program was presented to Ms Hannah Avery, and the B&B Chamala Memorial Prize for academic excellence was presented to Ms Eryn Wrigley.

Like most of the 2012 graduating class, Ms Hannah Avery has already secured her future in the Agricultural industry with a position in the Australian Milling Group.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the program and feel I will graduate with the knowledge and practical understanding of each sector in the industry and the skills to manage people, money and resources, said Ms Avery.

“Our final capstone course for our overseas market research project in Singapore was an amazing experience that was essentially like having a part-time job.

“Receiving the award in front of my peers was humbling and the perfect way to finish off my degree and I am excited about starting my career with the Australian Milling Group where I will deal with growers here in Qld and NSW and buyers of pulses in countries such as India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.”