Author: Dason Hensley | Major: Agriculture Education, Communication and Leadership | Semester: Summer 2024
Kickin’ it with a Kangaroo (billabong sanctuary)
Earlier in the year, I made the decision to study abroad in Australia during the August Intersession. I had the liberty to do this because of my fellowship, and when I heard about the opportunity, I jumped on it! I had never been out of the country, so going to the land down under was a huge leap of faith. I knew this would be a great period of learning for me, both personally and academically, I didn’t realize to what extent, however. Australia is somewhere I have always wanted to go. In fact, in high school I had always tried to save up money to go to Australia with the hopes of going in the summer between high school and college. I was unable to do this because of financial restraints with both my close friends and myself. Needless to say, this opportunity could not have been any more perfect.
This experience sparked numerous realizations in me, most importantly I will focus on three. First of all, the trip did its intended purpose: I learned all about Australian livestock practices- how they vary from our own, struggles that Australian Farmers face, and sustainability practices which American Farmers could benefit by adding to their operations. Next, I made deep connections with 20 peers and three absolutely incredible educators. I could not have handpicked a better group of people. Finally, I developed a broader world view. By this, I mean that I came to appreciate the American practices which I had previously taken for granted. However, I also learned that different countries have different practices, and just because I am American, does not mean that those are the only correct ones. I like to say that this trip made me lose a little of my “my way or the highway” mentality.
The farming practices I saw in our three days on Wambiana Station were mind-boggling! First of all, due to the lack of grass in Australia, they require nearly ten times the acreage for one cow compared to what we need in the U.S. It’s a stark reminder of how different environments shape agricultural practices. Also, whereas many American Farmers put emphasis on weaning weights or quality grades, the Lyon’s family puts longevity and fertility at the center of their breeding mission. Wambiana Station focuses on selling brahman bulls that they can market as exceptionally prolific. Any cow that came from my own farm, I believe would market a higher quality grade, and potentially even yield grade. As far as productivity, though, the brahman cattle we interacted with would trump American Cattle 3:1. It was incredibly eye-opening. Traits that I thought to be most important were secondary on the other side of the world! Of course, no trip to Australia would be complete without encountering some of the country’s unique wildlife. We saw and learned about koalas (I held one and it decided then would be a good time to pee), kangaroos, beautiful birds, camels, and even sea turtles, but as far as the curriculum side of the trip, nothing will beat the time we got to spend on Wambiana Station’s beautiful 57,000 acres.
The experiences with the land and animals were incredible, the people I shared it with were just as remarkable, however. I traveled with 20 fellow students, many of whom I have had a class within the past or will more than likely have one in the future, so It was especially rewarding to have the opportunity to get to know each of them as well as I did. We bonded over early morning hikes (including a daunting 5 AM trek to a breathtaking overlook), long bus rides, and shared meals. We laughed, fought, learned, and grew collectively, and I cannot be more thankful to have gotten to spend these two weeks with them.
I could never leave out the two amazing professors (and Dr. Coffey’s wife, Linda) who guided us through the entire experience. Their passion for agriculture and commitment to our learning was inspiring, and I left Australia with a deep respect for their dedication. Their robust love for teaching also made me realize that an educator is one of the most important jobs. I have been fighting this battle for years, as I have considered teaching as a profession since grade school but have never committed because of societal pressures to become something more profound like a doctor or lawyer given my intellect. As cheeky as it sounds, though, I changed my major to education on this trip. Although it has been a long-time coming, I have to admit part of that decision came from the sparks of personal realizations this trip offered, specifically Dr. Jogan.
Finally, I developed a broader understanding of the world. I learned to appreciate both American and Australian culture. Take something as simple as ordering water at a restaurant. In the U.S., we don’t think twice about asking for a glass of ice water. In Australia, you’ll often be served water without ice. It’s a small detail, but thousands of small details add up. Things like this made me appreciate how accustomed I am to certain comforts—things I never even considered before.
More than that, I was struck by the difference in pace. Back home, everything feels like it’s moving at 100 miles an hour. There’s always somewhere to be, something to do, and no time to waste. But in Australia, I was welcomed with a laid-back, carefree attitude that felt like a breath of fresh air. The Aussies’ hospitality and relaxed approach to life made me realize just how much we Americans sweat the small stuff. Our second night in Sydney, our hostel was right across the street from a basketball gym. I walked across the street, and within 5 minutes was playing on an intramural basketball team with Australians I had never met before. They were adults, 30-45 years old who had full time jobs and kids, yet they found time to play pickup basketball. This night was incredible and made me realize I had more to learn about on this trip than just agriculture, and let me tell you, I did.