Science wins out

Succession planning for individual farming businesses is essential but so is broader succession planning that focuses on the future of the wider agricultural industry.

Dow AgroSciences has recognised this with investment to encourage Australia's best and brightest young people to pursue careers in agricultural science.

Dow AgroSciences is a key sponsor of the Primary Industry Centre for Science Education (PICSE), which runs a range of programs to spark student interest in agricultural science careers.

WA student Brydie Creagh, who recently was awarded a PICSE student travel scholarship sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, says her involvement with PICSE has encouraged her to reconsider a future in the agriculture industry.

"My dad and step-dad both have farms with sheep and cropping and my mum's an agronomist," Brydie said. "I know the hardship farmers can face, so I'm not really interested in being a hands-on farmer."

She had originally intended to become an actress but after participating in a PICSE industry placement camp, she realised the far reaching potential of a career in agricultural science.

"I've always really liked science and after seeing the exciting things I could do in agricultural science, my views changed," she said. "I now feel I can help the farm without having to be on the farm."

The 16-year-old former Albany Senior High School student has just completed her Year 12 final exams. She plans to go to the University of WA to study agricultural science.

"Agriculture is a prime industry and no-one can survive without the resources it provides," Brydie said. "We all need to be open minded about the possibilities that science can provide to the industry and the world."

As part of her student travel scholarship, Brydie will spend a week at the Dow AgroSciences Waireka Global Discovery Research Station in New Zealand.