Adam Nelson
Growing up on a farm is a good start to a career in dairy farming but Adam Nelson realised he would need more than this to reach his goal of owning a farm. Adam, who lives at Drouin in Gippsland, enrolled in the Certificate II in Agriculture at the Warragul Campus during his final school years so he could gain a School Based Apprenticeship along with his VCE.
“I’ve always been interested in farming - raising calves, milking and feeding, etc - the course has provided me with opportunities to learn so much more about the industry,” said Adam.
“I wasn’t that familiar with breeding procedures so I’ve been able to gain some knowledge there. I have achieved a first aid certificate and Chemical Users,” explains Adam. “We learn all the nitty gritty stuff, the things you need to know to operate effectively as a farm worker.”
Adam attended the 2007 National All Breeds Dairy Youth Camp, winning the “Encouragement Award”, given to someone with no previous experience in showing dairy cows. “The Dairy Camp was a great confidence booster,” said Adam. “I realised I can do new things and the award is a real bonus for my career.” Adam recently spent a week in New Zealand on a job trial working with Jersey cows, to gain an understanding of a different dairy farming environment.
Adam is completing his VCE and the Certificate II in Agriculture but he says the combination of the two courses is not that difficult. “I do most of my work placements on the weekend and I am only doing four VCE subjects so it’s easy to manage the study load,” comments Adam.
In the future Adam plans to continue his studies with the Diploma of Agriculture at the NCDEA and working on a farm under an apprenticeship. “I am also considering an agriculture science degree down the track, so the Diploma will be a great start towards this.”
“My long term goal is to have my own farm, it’s probably about 15-20 years away but I’m now on the right path to achieving a dairy farming career,” said Adam.
Page updated on
8 October, 2007
Authorised by: Marketing Manager
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