A grains research internship program is continuing to bring a new generation of researchers to Eyre Peninsula, with its sixth annual intern recently appointed.
Anna Osmond has taken up the role, joining a team of experts working on local projects in applied grains research, development and extension based across the region.
The position is a rare opportunity for final year or recently graduated students from an agriculture-related degree to work with established researchers and gain valuable hands-on experience.
The internship program is funded by the SA Grains Industry Trust (SAGIT) and SA Drought Hub, and offered in partnership with Ag Innovation and Research Eyre Peninsula (AIR EP) and the SARDI Minnipa Agricultural Centre.
AIR EP executive officer Naomi Scholz said the program gave new agriculture graduates valuable industry experience, while also benefiting the region through contributions to local research and raising the profile of regional agriculture careers.
“Through AIR EP’s partnership with the SARDI Minnipa Agricultural Centre and the EP agriculture sector we’re fortunate to be able to again offer this internship, and we’re excited to welcome Anna to the role,” she said.
“Over our five-year involvement in the internship program, we’ve already seen significant benefits.
“These include launching the careers of our graduates – with many going on to find employment in agricultural research here on the EP, allowing our region to retain their skills.”
Ms Scholz said the program also increases AIR EP’s capacity for extra research and development activities.
“One of the cornerstones of the program is that each intern contributes to local agricultural research by developing their own research question, then designing and running an agricultural trial, and presenting their findings to local farmers.”
Interns also contribute to agricultural research by working with research teams on existing projects, including assisting with on-ground trials, attending farming and environment events, and meeting with farmers and industry advisors to learn more about the issues and opportunities facing agriculture on the EP.
Established in 2021, the internship program has already supported five graduates to complete on-ground training and develop their applied research skills.
Hailing from Western Australia, with a background in soil science and plant nutrition as part of her Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agricultural Science (Uni of WA), Anna is the program’s sixth successful Eyre Peninsula candidate.
Graduating with honours in mid-2025, Anna has previously participated in soils research projects, supervised by Dr James O’Connor and Professor Nanthi Bolan in the west.
Having started sowing and soil sampling at the Minnipa Ag Centre, Anna said she was looking forward to “bringing her Western Australian perspective to South Australia; learning on-farm trial management experience while developing new soil and cropping research skills alongside experienced researchers on the Eyre Peninsula”.
The recruitment process is currently underway for the 2027 Ken Schaefer Eyre Peninsula internship in applied grains research role.
That position will be hosted by EPAG Research and be funded by SAGIT and the SA Drought Hub.
For anyone interested in applying, contact Ms Scholz at eo@airep.com.au.
