Farming for the future

Agricultural Science valedictorian Peta Stockwell is confident the skills she's learned at The University of Queensland will serve her well in a challenging time for the agricultural sector. Agriculture, the environment and rural communities were a passion from an early age, and Ms Stockwell plans use the knowledge she's gained to help the land she loves. "Northern Australia holds a special place in my heart and being able to contribute to the production systems and rural communities there is definitely a goal for me," Ms Stockwell said. "I studied at UQ because of the tropical focus of the Agricultural Science degree, and I am hoping to be involved in these production systems in the future." The graduand has an exceptional academic record from her time at UQ, receiving six Deans Commendations for Academic Excellence as well as numerous awards and scholarships. She said she was grateful and humbled by the support she was given throughout her degree. "I approached my studies with the view that if it was worth doing, then it was worth doing well, and to be able to achieve the results I wanted, I knew I had to put in the hard yards. "The financial assistance has been incredible and has gone a long way in funding my studies, however the scholarships and prizes also go further in adding meaning to my university experience.