Rural
8 June, 2026
Longerenong hosts Agronomy Week
Longerenong College students put theory into practice during Agronomy Week, tackling spray plans, crop protection, chemical safety and modern pasture management.
Longerenong College welcomed students from across Victoria in May for the first of its two annual intensive Agronomy Weeks, delivering a hands-on and in-depth learning experience focused on modern crop and pasture management practices.
The program attracted both full-time and online agronomy students, bringing together a diverse cohort to explore critical industry topics ranging from chemical application to environmental and safety considerations.
A central component of the week was training in the application of agents to crops and pastures, where students developed the knowledge and skills needed to responsibly manage biological, chemical and organic inputs.
The sessions explored plant morphology and physiology, plant protection strategies, nutritional requirements, and the environmental impacts of agricultural practices.
Students also engaged in practical simulations, applying theory to real-world scenarios while incorporating occupational health and safety measures and the use of information technology.
Understanding regulatory frameworks was another key focus.
Sessions on pesticides and legislation emphasised the importance of compliance with national and state laws.
Students learned about the role of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) in evaluating and regulating agricultural chemicals, alongside state-level restrictions governing their use.
Complementing this was training in product labels and safety data sheets, highlighting their status as legally binding documents.
Students were taught to interpret critical instructions for the safe use, handling, storage, and disposal of agricultural chemicals.
Safety remained a major theme throughout the week, particularly in sessions focused on working with chemical risks.
Students examined a range of potential hazards, including chemical exposure during mixing and application, machinery entanglement, heat stress, manual handling injuries, and the risks associated with working alone in remote areas.
Emphasis was placed on the Hierarchy of Control as a framework for minimising these risks, reinforcing proactive safety planning as an essential industry skill.
The course also explored technical factors influencing spray effectiveness.
Sessions on adjuvants and water examined how additives can enhance chemical performance, while also highlighting the often-overlooked impact of water quality on spray outcomes.
Similarly, students studied weather conditions, gaining the ability to assess environmental factors such as wind and temperature that can contribute to spray drift or ineffective application.
Equipment knowledge formed another cornerstone of the training.
Through detailed lessons on nozzles and spray quality, students learned how droplet size, pressure, and nozzle type influence application efficiency and environmental safety.
With hundreds of nozzle options available, selecting the correct combination was presented as a critical decision in agricultural practice.
The week culminated in a practical exercise where students developed their own spray plans, bringing together the knowledge and skills gained across all sessions.
These plans required students to consider product selection, application methods, environmental conditions, and safety controls.
Longerenong College staff described the week as an invaluable opportunity for students to build practical capability and industry-ready knowledge in a supportive, collaborative environment.
With a second intensive Agronomy Week scheduled later in the year, the program continues to play a key role in preparing the next generation of agricultural professionals for the complexities of modern farming systems.
Longerenong College is currently taking applications for the mid-year intake of its online version of the Diploma of Applied Agronomy course (AHC51920).
Designed specifically for those in the industry, new students will start at the end of June.
For information, go to longy.com.au.
If you are interested in a career in Agriculture and would like to understand what Longerenong College can offer, register on our website for our Open Day, Sunday, August 9, from 9am to 3pm.