Agricultural Education in Australia.

Overview & Synopsis

This document is an English-language abstract (approximately 1,500 words) of a comprehensive survey of education and training for agriculture in Australia. The present facilities are described, and then set against estimates of present and future needs. Constructive proposals are made as to how these needs can best be met by agricultural institutions of various types. Secondary schools, technical colleges and schools, institutes of technology, agricultural colleges, universities and agricultural extension services are all involved in agricultural education and training in Australia. At present, farming absorbs a relatively large proportion of those who leave school early with little formal education above the statutory minimum. As agriculture in the future will require higher education, potential farmers should be encouraged to get more training in schools that cater more to their needs. Sheep and wool subjects predominate as courses in the institutions offering agricultural courses. Australian agricultural schools are residential, with farms attached. The universities do not cater adequately to horticulture, dairying, conservation, and the agribusiness. (Author/GDB)