Weaver recently completed a PhD in pork reproduction and will now put this research into practice at a pig farm in Mt Gambier, Australia, thanks to the Industry Placement Program.
The scheme is funded to the tune of $500,000 by the Australian government and was created to ensure a talented pool of young people have a career path in the pork sector.
Weaver will begin her role as a technical officer at Jeff Braun’s Myora Farm, South Australia, where she will spearhead and coordinate research and development in pigs. It’s a task that Weaver should be academically familiar with, after completing a doctorate in pork reproduction.
Job security
Her research at the University of Adelaide involved Weaver in analysing fertility and reproductive rates in fertile sows and the effect mating in lactation has on embryo survival. Pork CRC said this research helped address commercial costs and would help provide bottom-line gain for the pork industry.
“The IPP award, gives both parties more certainty, with a minimum three-year contract appointment and the opportunity to make a real difference in a commercial operation while gaining on-the-job practical experience,” said Weaver.
Pork CRC funded Weaver’s research and part of the scheme involved placing supported participants in the industry afterwards.
‘Fresh ideas’
Dr Roger Campbell, CEO of Pork CRC, said the sector would benefit from young people like Weaver who would bring “enthusiasm and an injection of fresh ideas and knowledge, which is often cutting-edge science, [to the pork industry]”.
“It’s a win-win for everyone and we thank the SA (South Australian) state government and its Minister for Science and Information Economy, Kyam Maher, for recognising this and stepping in to further fund and advance the initiative,” Dr Campbell said.
Six people so far have been supported by Pork CRC’s Industry Placement Program to date, but Weaver is the first one to be appointed under the South Australia Government’s $500,000 funding.