FOCUS ON : CONNECTING SCIENTISTS WITH FARMERS
Bringing scientists and farmers together face to face is a great way to break down barriers and promote a better understanding of both water quality science , and challenges faced with implementing on-ground practice change . This is why we held several events this year for farmers
and scientists to meet , share knowledge , and ask each other questions . These events took place at locations including the Australian Institute of Marine Science ( AIMS ), CSIRO research stations , cane paddocks , and Lower Burdekin creeks .
NQ Dry Tropics Project Officer Shakira Todd ( centre ) with AIMS scientists Dr Richard Brinkman and Dr Renee Gruber
AIMS scientists Dr Renee Gruber and Dr Richard Brinkman demonstrate water sampling techniques to cane growers
AIMS SCIENTISTS MEET CANE GROWERS IN THE PADDOCK
Earlier this year Lower Burdekin cane growers met face to face with scientists monitoring water quality in the Great Barrier Reef . The NQ Dry Tropics event , supported by the Australian and Queensland governments , gave scientists an opportunity to learn about the issues growers faced as they embraced practice change – and the growers had no shortage of questions on the science .
Australian Institute of Marine Science ( AIMS ) oceanographers Dr Richard Brinkman and Dr Renee Gruber visited Gary Stockham ' s Giru cane farm and answered growers ' questions about how practice changes on cane farms could affect inshore reef water quality . The group also learned how the recycle pits on Mr Stockham ’ s farm benefited the environment by capturing excess irrigation water , while also boosting profitability through reduced water purchases .
During the afternoon the growers toured the AIMS facility , which included a demonstration on collecting water samples for testing .
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