Teachers gain real-world agtech insights at Boonah State High School workshop

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has supported a successful Teacher Professional Development (PD) workshop at Boonah State High School, with up to 50 teachers from across the Scenic Rim and across Queensland coming together to strengthen their knowledge of modern agriculture, agtech and career pathways.

The full-day program was delivered through a collaboration between Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA) and Boonah State High School, with industry organisations including MLA, Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and Hort Innovation invited to participate.

It focused on equipping Queensland educators with practical insights into contemporary on-farm production, innovation and the diverse opportunities available across the agriculture sector.

The workshop featured industry-led sessions, a school agriculture program tour, collaborative learning activities and networking opportunities.

MLA’s Group Manager – Value Chain Adoption, Doug McNicholl, presented on on-farm innovation in the red meat industry and said the day demonstrated the importance of bringing real-world industry knowledge into classrooms.

“Australian agriculture is highly innovative, with producers using data and technology to guide on farm decision making and improve sustainability outcomes,” Mr McNicholl said.

“Working directly with teachers helps turn what’s happening on farms today into practical, engaging classroom learning – and shows students that agriculture offers modern, skilled and rewarding career pathways.”

MLA Schools and Education Manager Susan Howe attended the workshop to showcase MLA’s suite of curriculum-aligned education resources, designed to support teachers in delivering contemporary, industry-relevant agriculture content in the classroom.

During the session, she also introduced the new Farm Gate to Plate Explorer Kit, a brand-new initiative of MLA’s Australian Good Meat Education school program. The kit provides teachers with practical, ready-to-use materials and activities for an enhanced learning experience helping students better understand the red meat industry, from on-farm production through to sustainability, nutrition and career opportunities.

The event aimed to build teachers’ knowledge of agricultural technology, highlight modern agricultural career pathways, increase adoption of school education resources, and strengthen teacher-to-industry engagement.

Boonah State High School hosted the event, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in agricultural education and industry collaboration.

Boonah State High School Principal, Dan Marrone said the workshop delivered valuable outcomes for both teachers and students.

“It was fantastic to welcome educators from across the region and provide them with hands-on exposure to modern agriculture and the opportunities it presents,” Mr Marrone said.

“Opportunities like this help teachers feel confident delivering contemporary agriculture in the classroom and inspire students to consider the wide range of careers available in the sector.”

The workshop built on Boonah State High School’s strong track record of engaging students in agriculture and fostering meaningful partnerships with industry.

Through initiatives like this, MLA and its partners continue to support educators with the tools, insights and connections needed to bring agriculture to life in classrooms and help build the next generation of industry talent.