Key Takeaways

• Home Hill State High School students are gaining practical skills in protected cropping, irrigation, plant health and harvesting through hands-on training, helping develop the next generation of skilled horticultural workers.
• The Agricultural Precinct is becoming a regional training hub, with students from Ayr and Bowen State High School accessing the facility to learn about horticulture and career pathways.
• Over the last two years, through its Building Human Capacity Program, the TNQ Drought Hub has supported the Agricultural Precinct, helping strengthen industry partnerships, provide real-world learning opportunities and encourage more young people to pursue careers in agriculture.

Home Hill State High School students are gaining practical skills in protected cropping, irrigation, plant health and harvesting through hands-on training, helping develop the next generation of skilled horticultural workers.

Students at Home Hill State High School are continuing to gain valuable hands-on experience in modern horticulture, with the school’s Agricultural Precinct providing practical learning opportunities while strengthening connections with industry.

Supported by the Tropical North Queensland Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub through its Building Human Capacity Program, the precinct is helping prepare the next generation of agricultural professionals by giving students real-world experience in protected cropping systems and commercial horticulture practices.

Throughout the year, students completing their Certificate II in Production Horticulture have developed skills in planting, irrigation management, crop monitoring, plant health and harvesting inside the school’s Protected Cropping Structure.

Agricultural Science Teacher, Louise Nicholas said the facility gives students an authentic insight into the industry.

“Students are learning the practical skills used in modern horticulture while gaining confidence through hands-on experience,” Louise said.

“Learning in a real production environment helps them understand the wide range of career opportunities available across agriculture.”

The Agricultural Precinct is also becoming a regional centre for horticultural education. For the second year, students from Ayr State High School have completed training through the facility, while students from Bowen State High School recently visited to learn more about the qualification and the opportunities it provides.

Beyond the classroom, students have also explored biodiversity and sustainable land management during a visit to the Lower Burdekin Landcare Association, helping connect their studies with real-world environmental practices.

Planning is now underway for the 2027 Future Fields: Horticulture Immersion Program, building on the success of this year’s program, which welcomed 35 students from four regional schools. The four-day program combines practical horticulture, industry visits, agricultural technologies and career development.

“Future Fields gives students the chance to connect with industry, experience different parts of the sector and see where agriculture could take them,” Louise said.

Students are also preparing for the upcoming Australian Melon Industry Conference, where they will showcase the Agricultural Precinct and display more than 300 melons grown as part of their learning.

By supporting initiatives like the Home Hill State High School Agricultural Precinct, the TNQ Drought Hub is helping build skills, strengthen industry partnerships and inspire more young people to pursue careers in agriculture.