The nine graduating interns who started the program in 2015 at the event hosted by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) in Sydney last Thursday.

THE first class of interns to complete the inaugural Livestock Consulting Internship program officially graduated from the two-year program last Thursday, marking a significant milestone along their career path as livestock consultants.

All nine interns who started the program in 2015 graduated at an event hosted by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) in Sydney, after completing internships with participating livestock consulting businesses throughout Australia.

The participating consulting firms comprised, Brennan Mayne Agribusiness; Agripath; Sheepmatters; Meridian Agriculture; Outcross Agri-Services; RMCG; Planfarm; Sally Martin Consulting; and Moses & Son.

Supported by MLA Donor Company (MDC) and managed by Meridian Agriculture, the Internship program is designed to ensure the continuation of new consultants to the industry through a structured program that underpins the cost of livestock consulting businesses taking on entry level employees.

The project was established as a partnership between MDC and participating consulting firms in 2014 and commenced accepting interns the following year.

MDC CEO Dr Christine Pitt said following the success of the first round of the Internship program, MDC is supporting a second round with a new cohort of 10 having recently commenced their internships. This new cohort joined the recent graduates at last week’s event.

“A formal mentoring component has been introduced with the first round of interns who graduated from the program last week having been matched with the new interns to provide support and guidance,” Dr Pitt said.

“Livestock consultants require knowledge of the latest research and technology to help their clients remain competitive. This program provides valuable personal development support, practical skills and access to industry networks whilst the interns undertake a Graduate Certificate in Agricultural Consulting.

“Over the two years, they also identify, develop and implement a major industry research project, giving them a real-world understanding of the implementation of R&D.

“We congratulate the nine interns who have completed the program, and thank the consultancy businesses which have given them the opportunity to pursue a career in this field.”

Industry projects undertaken by the interns, which ranged from investigating cattle shrink in saleyard situations to an analysis of adult learning within the producer group structure, will be published on the MLA website in the coming months.

Source: Meat & Livestock Australia