jade-moxey

[Music plays and images of award participants flash by on screen. Text appears: BHP Billiton Science and Engineering Awards 2017]

[Image changes to show Jade Moxey opening a gate and walking up to a horse which she rubs on the head]

[Image changes to show Jade standing and looking at the camera]

Jade Moxey: Hi, I’m Jade Moxey and I’m in Year 11 at Sapphire Coast Anglican College and my project is entitled Grazing Sheep on Deadly Fireweed: A “BaaaaD” Situation.

Imagine the worst thing in the world and then times it by ten and that is fireweed.

[Image changes to show Jade kneeling down on the grass and inspecting a fireweed]

It is a noxious weed of national significance. It has an extremely rapid spreading ability, negative impacts on pasture conditions, huge productive and economic impacts and it’s toxic to both livestock and humans.

[Image changes to show a flock of sheep locked in a pen]

In my trial from two mere manure collections,

[Camera zooms in on sheep manure]

213 fireweed plants germinated, which is extremely extensive!

[Image changes to show Jade walking amongst the flock of sheep]

So this impacts grazing management systems that are currently utilised in agricultural communities, it challenges the concept that sheep are actually an effective form of fireweed control.

[Image changes to show an aerial shot of sheep locked in a pen]

However, using sheep to control fireweed inflicts minimal impacts on the sheeps health, there was little to no evidence of liver compromisation as a result of sheep grazing fireweed, and lastly, very, very small amounts of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid residue are capable of accumulating in the tissue of sheep, however, this is well below safety recommendations.

[Image changes back to show Jade sitting on a fence and observing the sheep]

Science is the word that we use to explain the result of curiosity. From a very young age I was always outdoors, experimenting with things, making sun dials out of pebbles and the whole ‘oh, I wonder why this works’? Sort of thing, so yes, science came naturally to me, I guess.

[Camera moves to show a horse grazing and then moves to show Jade feeding two cows]

I’m very interested in forensic science, however, the agriculture is obviously a big part of my life, so yeah, I’m not really sure what path I’m going to take yet.

[Image changes back to show Jade sitting on a fence and talking to the camera and then moves to show Jade saddling up and horse and riding off]

In my spare time I do a lot of horse riding, specifically dressage, I’ve been riding for almost ten years now and have loved every second of it. I also play soccer, I love any physical activity actually, I go for runs a lot, hanging out with friends, shopping, collecting pink stationery.

[Image changes back to show Jade sitting on a fence and talking to the camera]

Science and engineering is the future; it’s that core of the universe that we revolve around,

[Camera pans around the different animals on the farm]

it’s what is going to determine the possible outcome of the life that we live.

[Image changes to show Jade riding off on a horse]

Being able to embark on this journey last year was such a privilege and an honour and it was the greatest week of my life, and to be awarded that opportunity again is simply unbelievable!

[Image changes back to show Jade sitting on a fence and talking to the camera]

Like, I’m so excited!

[Music plays and text appears: BHP Billiton Science and Engineering Awards 2017]

[Sponsors logos appear on screen]