What’s happening?
The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) has launched Queensland’s first Bachelor of Agricultural Technology and Management (BATMan), a hands-on degree designed to equip students with skills in cutting-edge agricultural technologies.
Students like Mia Ketterer are embracing the program to advance their careers in ag tech, focusing on innovations such as precision spraying and drone operations.
Why it matters?
As the agriculture sector faces increasing challenges related to sustainability, productivity, and efficiency, programs like BATMan provide essential training for the next generation of agricultural leaders.
By integrating the latest technologies into real-world applications, the degree supports the growth of a sustainable and innovative agricultural industry in Australia and beyond.
Local Impact
The BATMan program is fostering skilled professionals like Mia Ketterer, who is based in Gympie and already contributing to agricultural innovation.
Students have opportunities to collaborate with international agribusinesses, creating immediate benefits for local farms and broader Australian agriculture.
What Sets BATMan Apart?
- Queensland’s first dedicated Bachelor of Agricultural Technology and Management program, and one of only two in Australia.
- Students engage with major international companies, including John Deere, Raven, and Incitec Pivot.
- Practical drone training and real-world problem-solving projects are integral to the degree.
Zoom In
For Mia Ketterer, a traineeship at Sunshine Coast’s Templeton Ginger introduced her to precision technologies like the Weedseeker, sparking her passion for agricultural innovation.
“I’ve always had an interest in plants and animals and anything to do with the outdoors, so I knew I would enjoy a career involving that,” she said. At a UniSQ residential school, she honed her drone-operating skills, passing with “flying colours.”
Zoom Out
BATMan Acting Program Director Michael Scobie emphasised the degree’s practical approach: “Our students are consistently working with researchers and industry on real-world problems and research projects so they can see the realities of working in agriculture.”
The program fills a unique niche by combining technology, management, and hands-on experience, setting graduates apart in a competitive industry.
What to look for next?
Expect more innovations as BATMan graduates enter the workforce, leveraging their expertise to address agricultural challenges in Australia and globally.
UniSQ continues to expand industry partnerships and practical opportunities, ensuring its students remain on the cutting edge of ag tech advancements.
For more information on the Bachelor of Agricultural Technology and Management, visit UniSQ.
