Science to help improve farming methods
NOBBY Valley farmer Alan Richards grows a variety of different crops on his 1500 acre farm, but figs are his passion.
During his “day job” he grows crops like onions, mustard pickles and carrots, but after experimenting with vegetables like bok choy, cucumbers, truss tomatoes and eggplants, he decided to give figs a go.
He said the first 50 trees propagated very well and gave him some encouragement, and he was also able to produce figs outside of the times they were normally grown.
Now, he’s got about 3000 trees.
Mr Richards was one of the local producers at the Cobb and Co Museum for the World Science Festival Brisbane’s regional event Farmer Wants a Science Life.
Cobb and Co Museum director Debbie Bailey said during the event lots of conversations were had about how science could help with agriculture and improve farming methods.
The Palaszczuk Government will support the establishment of a dedicated innovation space in Toowoomba to increase students’ science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills and employability.
Innovation Minister Leeanne Enoch, who was in Toowoomba for the festival, said the Toowoomba STEM Enrichment Hub received $17000 from the Advance Queensland Engaging Science Grant program.
Ms Enoch said the Hub, to be at Centenary Heights State High School in Toowoomba, would be an important resource for the entire region.
Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Suzanne Miller said the Advance Queensland Engaging Science Grants program aimed to increase the reach and impact of science in Queensland and boost the number of students enrolling in STEM subjects.
Centenary Heights State High School principal Maryanne Walsh said the Toowoomba STEM Enrichment Hub would create a motivating space that would enable learners to problem solve and innovate.
“This initiative will be pivotal in the development of a whole-school and community approach to driving the STEM agenda for Toowoomba’s students and the regional community.”