Agricultural students at Longerenong College will gain greater hands-on experience with modern machinery, precision agriculture and digital farming systems through a new strategic partnership with Emmetts.
The partnership combines Longerenong College’s agricultural education, commercial farming, precision agriculture and Data Farm capabilities with Emmetts’ agricultural machinery and technology expertise.
A key focus will be giving students practical experience with technology in a working commercial farm environment.
As part of the partnership, Emmetts will provide a John Deere combine harvester, front and Coolamon chaser bin for use and demonstration during the College’s annual grain harvest.
John Deere Operations Center™ will also be integrated across Longerenong College’s 1,070-hectare Data Farm, adding to the College’s existing connected farming, precision agriculture and farm data capabilities.
The initiative is designed to give students opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom to real farming operations and develop skills relevant to agricultural employers.
Emmetts Chief Operating Officer Stuart Milliken said the ability to understand both agriculture and technology was becoming increasingly important across the sector.
“Technology, data, and connectivity are becoming an important part of how farmers operate their businesses. Understanding the technology is one thing; having the opportunity to use it in a real farming environment and see how it supports better decisions is another,” Mr Milliken said.
Longerenong College General Manager Denise McLellan said industry partnerships helped ensure students gained experience relevant to modern agricultural businesses.
“Access to the latest machinery, advanced technology, and industry expertise gives them the opportunity to put their learning into practice and understand how these tools are being used on farms today,” Ms McLellan said.
The partnership will also support precision agriculture and technology demonstrations, industry engagement, student placements, work experience, internships and career pathways.
Emmetts has been named Longerenong College’s preferred strategic machinery and precision agriculture partner.
Image: Emmetts / Longerenong College – Horsham Victoria
SOURCE: Agriculture Australia