Name:Jason 
Role Title: Full time Ph.D. Student (Agricultural Science)
Location: La Trobe University, Bundoora

Description of work undertaken: 
Jason's Ph.D. research involves investigating the adoption of productive pasture technology across South-East Australia. The research included a detailed evaluation of the Grassland's Productivity Program(GPP) and the Paired Paddock Program(PPP), which were established to assist graziers to develop skills and gain confidence in their ability to manage more productive pastures on their farms.

Team and / or individual role / responsibilities:
The techniques used by Jason to evaluate the impact of these extension programs included   benchmarking surveys, in depth interviews and farm financial analysis. Jason has also worked as a facilitator of three groups in the PPP from the Glenthompson district. These particular groups were established as part of his research that studied the recruitment of graziers into such programs. Jason has found this work very rewarding, being involved in all stages of the process from group formation, to group facilitation and finally program evaluation.

Future? 
In future Jason would like to be involved more  with up-skilling graziers and assisting them to focus on the key attributes of their farming business that are critical to future farm viability. Also, Jason hopes to be involved in the evaluation of other extension programs and their impact on participants.

BACKGROUND:
Grew up where? 
Jason lived in several Victorian country communities  until his family settled near Casterton in South-West Victoria on a 4,500 acre property that ran 10,000 Merino sheep and 450 beef breeding cows. Here, Jason assisted his father while attending Casterton Secondary College. During this time, Jason developed a very keen interest in broad-acre grazing enterprises and agriculture in general.

Course(s) studied: 
Tertiary /post secondary:
Jason's interest in Agriculture influenced his decision to study a degree in Agricultural Science at LaTrobe University. He said he was attracted to  LaTrobe  because of the close association of the course with the agricultural industry. 

Secondary: 
At secondary school, Jason studied agriculture until Year 10, but in Year 11 and 12 he had to select the typical Maths/Science subjects to complete the prerequisites required to enter university.

Work experience: 
Jason had to complete some work placement as part of his course at university. This experience involved working with industry case studies and an industry linked fourth year project, conducted over the last 6 months of the course.

OPPORTUNITIES: 
Further study: 
Jason said choosing to continue study after his degree has broadened his future opportunities. He can continue to study by conducting post-doctoral research as a follow on from his Ph.D. research or he can gain employment in industry, which is his preferred option. Such a position would hopefully enable him to utilise both his practical and theoretical background in agriculture.

Travel, etc.
In 1999 Jason was fortunate enough to receive a Young Rural Ambassador Travel Bursary which involved a tour of Canada. Jason said that the trip gave him a great insight into Canadian agriculture and also enabled him to develop a relationship with 20 other young Australians that undertook the journey. As a result, Jason believes that there maybe future opportunities to travel associated with his agricultural extension studies.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW: 
Tertiary students
Jason believes that there are numerous opportunities for Agricultural Science Graduates. He says that for someone from either a scientific or practical background, agriculture is an industry that offers a broad array of employment options. Jason said that for students enrolled in straight Science degrees, agriculture provides a real employment option and potentially a very fulfilling career path.

OTHER: 
What careers have other graduates from your course entered?
Jason said that fellow graduates have been employed in the following areas; Productivity Specialist for Pivot, Beef Industry Development Officer for DNRE, Dairy Nutrition Consultant, Regional Lending Manager for the Bank of Melbourne, Postgraduate studies in fisheries, soil science and grazing management.