I come from a fourth-generation cereal and sheep farming family in Birchip, a small rural community in Northwest Victoria. I completed all thirteen years of schooling at Birchip P-12 School, receiving a very high standard of education for a small public school. I have played football, cricket and tennis for the respective local Birchip teams from juniors through to seniors. I had a gap year between school and university where I worked on our family farm as well a stint landscaping in Bendigo, gaining invaluable knowledge, practical experience and life skills.
I commenced my university degree last year and with the onset of COVID-19, I moved home and studied my degree online. Despite the challenges the COVID-19 restrictions placed on our life as we knew it, a major positive for me was that I gained valuable hands-on experience working on my family’s farm and other farms when allowed, and at the same time I was learning about the science of agriculture in my studies. This allowed me to really build my knowledge, make valuable connections between theory and practice and further ignite my passion for agriculture.
Agriculture is the backbone of Birchip and a major reason for its survival. I am very passionate about rural communities and I have seen what prosperity and ‘good times’ in agriculture can do for rural towns. Successful years in farming creates many job opportunities in small agricultural towns which brings greater hope, confidence and economic growth to the community and a better social environment. This has the flow on effect of helping agricultural businesses, like machinery dealerships and supply agencies, and other small businesses to thrive. The idea of influencing this prosperity with the skills I acquire from my Bachelor of Agriculture really inspires me and I would find great happiness in helping rural communities to survive.
At the completion of my degree, I am interested in pursuing a career as an agronomist. I want to have a positive influence on improving the practises of primary producers to increase productivity and profitability using existing resources, however with less water so that the agricultural industry remains viable and sustainable in the future. Drought tolerant varieties and higher risk drought areas are a particular interest of mine. Having the opportunity to work with my sponsor GRDC really excites me as I will hopefully gain an insight into the progress on drought tolerant varieties and other notable advancements in the industry.
I am extremely grateful and honoured to be given this opportunity by AgriFutures to work with such an innovative company in the broadacre agricultural scene. Being awarded the Horizon scholarship is not only extremely humbling but it will also provide me with great opportunities to network with industry leaders at the four-day workshop, which will no doubt inspire my passion for agriculture further.