STUDENTS from universities across Australia and the world are taking part in the GrainGrowers Crops Competition this week at the Roseworthy Campus, University of Adelaide.
They will be applying their knowledge around crop production in a practical setting, taking their classroom knowledge into a paddock perspective.
The competition began on Monday September 23 and finishes on Wednesday September 25 and is intended to test the theoretical and practical knowledge of students.
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There are tests in the field as well as a written examination. Some of the challenges set include seed identification, in-field crop inspections, weed identification, diagnosing crop diseases and recommending appropriate herbicides.
Eight universities are competing including Kansas State and South Dakota from the United States and the Scienze e Technologi Agri-alimentari from Italy.
The competition is in its eleventh year and this is the first time it has taken place in South Australia.
"We know that a career in agriculture is richly rewarding," GrainGrowers chief executive officer Dave McKeon said.
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"GrainGrowers crops competition is a great way to showcase the diversity of roles that are on offer.
"GrainGrowers is proud to produce a competition that enables students to test their skills in real life, on-farm scenarios.
"We think this really helps build their understanding as they look to enter industry. Our growers were even able to put forward content suggestions for the exams, based on what they felt was important for future agribusiness professionals."
GrainGrowers chairman Brett Hosking and Mr McKeon will both be attending the competition to meet students and show their support.
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