ENROLLMENTS in agricultural science at Charles Sturt University (CSU) Wagga have surged a massive 47 per cent this year.
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Viticulture enrollments increased by 70 per cent, wine science intakes posted a 29 per cent per rise and overall the trend reflects positive signs for agriculture.
Head of School of Agriculture at CSU Wagga David Falepau had no hesitation in saying the rural sector was outperforming mining in terms of attracting career interest.
“The mining sector has held the limelight and we have talked about mining sector in the past but I think that has plateaued now,” he said.
The big intake numbers coincide with an all-time high for cattle prices and buoyant returns in the grains and cropping sector.
Orientation at CSU starts on Monday February 22 and lecturers and staff are preparing for a busy time.
Despite the bigger intakes Professor Falepau said class ratios were still good.
He said the intake was the result of a broader nationwide interest in agriculture.
CSU Wagga – which boasts a 1400 hectare farm and sits in the heart of the Riverina – is a popular choice.
“We are focused on agriculture and our teaching competencies teach subjects as they directly apply to agriculture,” he said.
The diversity of southern NSW was also considered ideal for learning about agriculture. For example students could visit the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) and see rice production from the paddock to the plate during a one-day excursion.
And Wagga is also home to the largest sheep and lamb selling centre in the southern hemisphere and one of the most influential cattle markets. Professor Falepau said the profile of agriculture had grown in recent times.
“The awareness of agriculture in the community has increased dramatically over the past few years,” he said.
This awareness was attributed to climate change, food security and coverage of the rural industry in the media.
“There are huge employment opportunities,” he said.