Senior School
UNE Grass Experience - Jamie Nordstrom
Student Name: Jamie Nordstrom
Industry Placement: Poultry CRC @ UNE
Introduction
I applied for the UNE Grass program as I have a strong interest in many areas of the agricultural industry. I didn’t know what to expect at the camp and placement however I am very pleased that I applied as it has strengthened my interest in agriculture, in particular meat birds and the Poultry industry. I had no definite plans for when I finished school prior to this placement except that I wanted to do something agriculture around animals or soils. After the camp and the week industry placement I am strongly considering a career in the Poultry Industry specialising in nutrition or behaviour.
The Industry Placement Camp
The two-day Industry placement at the UNE was an enjoyable experience. I enjoyed the camp as a whole; the camp created many friendships with other agriculture minded students. I thoroughly enjoyed the visits to the Guyra tomato farm and the trip to the UNE Smart Farm. The Guyra tomato farm provided an insight to a sector of the agricultural industry that I was not familiar with. The Smart Farm was a valuable learning experience as it shown how agriculture is becoming technology based allowing for subjective agricultural systems rather than objective systems.
My Industry Placement
The Week Industry Placement at the Poultry CRC was an extraordinary week. The five days was full of hand on practical activities and learning experiences. The whole team at the CRC included me in everything they had going on for the week. Highlights for me was being able to be involved in the full four day Net Energy Trial. I had the ability to participate in every aspect of the trial including set up, the trial period and the conclusion of the trial that allowed me to fully understand the trial. I greatly enjoyed the two days at the industry placement where I was involved in the sampling of the meat birds for further research to be taken. Everyone involved in the sampling took time to ensure I understood the digestive track and body systems of the birds. The team at the CRC made me feel like they knew me for years, they treated me like I was a part of the team which made the week even more enjoyable.
How My Placement has Influenced Me
I have had a passion for purebred Poultry, their breeding and exhibition since I was 7 years old, the placement has allowed me to see the Industry as whole including laying fowls, meat birds and the exhibition Industry. The placement has given me an understanding of aspects of the Industry that my knowledge was limited on. After this Placement I have been influenced to reach out further in the Poultry industry to gain knowledge in a industry that I now hope to make a lifelong career.
Conclusion
The UNE GRASS Scholarship program has been a valuable learning experience and one that I am very glad that I applied for, I have gained knowledge from both the Industry camp and the Industry placement from students, lecturers and industry leaders. Throughout this experience I have made many friends and lifelong connections. The camp and the Industry Placement provided me with connections of members of the Australian poultry industry that one day will help me as I hope to take a career within the Poultry Industry.
Jamie during the second day of his Industry placement assisting in the collection of the crop and gizzard samples.
Jamie receiving his participation award.