Introducing the SAGIT Grains Research Intern on EP for 2024

Hi, I am Alex Busch, the 2024 SAGIT/SA Drought Hub intern with AIR EP and EPAG Research. I commenced my internship in February with the GRDC update and I’m excited to spend the year on the Eyre Peninsula. I grew up on my family’s farm outside of Saddleworth in the Mid North where we ran sheep in addition to cropping. After finishing school, I began a career in surveying whilst still working on the family property, however after several years working in civil and construction I wanted a change and to get back to agriculture. I returned to university to study a Bachelor of Science, majoring in GIS (Geographical Information Systems) and Soil Science. Throughout my studies the focus was always on how I could apply these in the agricultural industry.

I applied for the 2024 internship position as I want to make a positive difference in the agriculture, particularly in the management of soils. I’m excited to be working on EP with the vast range of landscapes and challenges, which are significantly different from my own area. I’m looking forward to the learning opportunities that projects addressing these challenges will provide.

In addition to the research opportunities of the internship, I’m also excited to expand my extension skills. Education and sharing of knowledge are a passion of mine, which I’m eager to share through extension work. Currently I am fortunate enough to practice this as part of a teaching team that takes students and young professionals from all three of Adelaide’s universities and teaches them about soil pit classification. I’m looking forward to opportunities the internship will provide to build my communication skills and deliver research to where it is needed most.

The 2024 Grains Research Internship position is funded by SAGIT and the SA Drought Hub.