Jackson breaks new ground in farming

Jackson Adams realised he had a passion for farming and agriculture at a young age, excitedly taking up a job milking cows at the local dairy at age 13.

Jackson’s enthusiasm for farming led to work experience at operations around the state from Pinnaroo to Tintinara, where he learned about the sheep industry, bailed hay at a large Lucerne operation, drove semi-trailers and worked a team of sheep dogs.

And Jackson loved every minute of it.

Last year Jackson completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at the University, and is now undertaking Honours in Animal Science. With the support of the J R Barker scholarship, Jackson has been able to pursue a project examining the effects of lambing density of twin bearing ewes on lamb survival.

“It’s been an awesome experience, taking me all over South Australia and beyond, dealing with industry leading professionals on a regular basis,” says Jackson.

It’s an experience that was made possible by the scholarship.

“It’s extremely hard trying to hold down a casual job in a country town while travelling all around the state for placement. I would not have been able to complete my study without the scholarship,” he says.

“I want to thank the people that made this opportunity possible from the bottom of my heart.”

As for the future, Jackson has aspirations to work around the world.

“I hope my education and experience will take me all over the world – I trust the passion will guide me. I just want to be fully immersed in this wonderful industry, irrespective of where it takes me,” he says.

For many students, a scholarship is the only way they will be able to take on their tertiary education. Give now.