Tasmanian agricultural student Ashlea Schott won the 2017 Ag Institute Australia National Student Award in Western Australia today.
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The University of Tasmania student represented the state by sharing her pyrethrum research at the Science and Innovation in South West Agriculture conference at Manjimup.
University students who have completed an agricultural Honours or Masters research project were selected from each Ag Institute Australia division to compete for the award.
Each finalist provided a written submission on the background of their research topic and presented a 15-minute talk to a judging panel.
Ms Schott said her research project investigated the floral developmental stages most sensitive to environmental stress in pyrethrum production.
“Winning the final was a wonderful surprise as all of the other contestants were confident and well spoken, but it’s definitely a proud moment,” Ms Schott said.
“The opportunity to participate in the competition, including coming to Manjimup for the final, was an amazing opportunity for all of us to learn from industry representatives and to showcase our own projects,” she said.
Ms Schott works for Bejo Tasmania as a graduate research agronomist.
Ian Macleod, from award sponsor Peracto, said the quality of presentations from the finalists were impressive.
“This competition sees some of the best agricultural students from across the country come together to present their research, and each year the quality gets better,” Mr Macleod said.
“Importantly, the National Student Award not only showcases the talent coming through in our industry, but also gives these students a chance to perform on the national stage.
“We are very pleased to sponsor this competition, and look forward to seeing the positive impact Ashlea and her fellow finalists have in agriculture in the years to come,” he said.