Farmer

Benefits to primary industries

Farmers are the beginning of the ‘paddock to plate’ story— we are the start. Without farmers there are no products to sell, process, transport or eat!

Where do you live?

Here, on the farm.

What are some important skills?

Farmers need to have a whole range of skills. We need to have a really good understanding of how the different parts of the growing cycle work together. I monitor the health of soil, take regular soil tests, and have my agronomist come and advise me when I am unsure.I spend a lot of time monitoring the health of the crops and we run a few sheep here. I need to understand sheep nutrition requirements, and look after the sheep to make sure they are healthy.

What is your favourite part of your job?

I get to live and work with my family in a place I love every day. Some days are hard, and some season are harder when the weather isn’t in our favour. But most of the time farming is a very rewarding occupation and lifestyle.

What are the main tools of the trade?

On our property we grow mostly crops, pulses and grains, so our important tools are our machinery. We have tractors, a header, an air seeder and a boom spray but people are our most valuable asset. We have a few casual staff members to help us complete the sowing and harvesting. We also have people come and help with some of the sheep work including shearing.

What training have you had?

I grew up here on the farm and Mum and Dad taught me everything there is to know about the business and what we do. I also completed a Diploma of Agriculture online through Tocal College and that has given me the confidence to change a few farm management practices that I wanted to do differently. You learn something new every day on a farm!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I will be here. Farming might have changed but I will still love it