Teaching and research collaboration between CSU and China’s Lanzhou University
Professor Fujiang Hou of Lanzhou University, China, visited Charles Sturt University (CSU),
Graham Centre and NSW Department of Primary Industries in mid-March as part of a John
Dillon Memorial Fellowship funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural
Research (ACIAR).
Professor Hou is Dean of the College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology at
Lanzhou University in Gansu and is a key collaborator in an ACIAR funded project lead by
Professor David Kemp (CSU) investigating sustainable livestock grazing systems on Chinese
temperate grasslands.
Gansu in western China is on the fabled ‘silk road’ and is one of the poorest Provinces in
China. Lanzhou University is one of the top Universities in China.
While at CSU, Professor Hou met with research, administrative and teaching staff to discuss
the university’s research and teaching systems, as well as continuing to develop future
research and teaching linkages.
Professor Hou joined final year bachelor of agricultural business management students in a
field trip which was part of their final year capstone subject, agribusiness planning
(AGR375).
The field trip, coordinated by Ed Henry (CSU), visited Gus and Anna Hickman's property near
Woodstock to review and gain insight into their grazing management system and whole
farm development and planning processes.
Dr Karl Behrendt, CSU lecturer in agribusiness and subject convenor for AGR375, said that
Professor Hou was fascinated to see how the students interacted and learnt from the
farmers and how this had been integrated into the teaching of the subject.
Professor Hou found the applied grazing systems of great interest, including how they were
a key part of the business development planning applied by Gus and Anna.
“We are very appreciative and grateful for the Hickmans’ support of our teaching and
students and look forward to further developing the relationship with Lanzhou University,”
said Dr Behrendt.
Photo:
Gus and Anna Hickman discussing grazing management and whole farm development with
Professor Hou, Ed Henry and agribusiness planning students