“I have always loved farming, machinery and the outdoors,” Ben said.
Ben was finding it difficult to get his foot in the door until he saw an ad for an agricultural program on the back of a Sunrise segment on TV.
The Ag Career Start program was a game changer for Ben.
It was the first year the program was run and after successfully applying, Ben was matched with a dairy farm in the Ky Valley.
“At the time, I thought I would give it a go. Victoria was a long way from Brisbane, but the pay was good and it was only for a year, if I really didn’t enjoy it,” Ben said.
Today, Ben still works on the same 3500ha farm which milks 1500 Holstein cows.
In 2023, he was made senior farm hand.
“I fell in love and I have been working on the same farm in the Ky Valley ever since,” he said.
“The farm I work on is supportive and receptive to someone with a needs and disability — I have high-functioning ADHD and autism,” Ben said.
Ben said he really enjoyed working outdoors with the cows, and he also has the opportunity to work with the machinery side of things as well.
He has completed a Cert 3 in dairy as well.
He said the program provided him with a start he probably would have never been able to get which included training, networking and industry skills.
After graduating, Ben had an opportunity to travel to Parliament House and meet Murray Watt, and attend the NFF conference in 2023.
“It really is an awesome program — matching up young people with suitable farms.
“I would still be working casual jobs in Queensland and still trying to get into the industry if I hadn’t signed up.”
Ben said not only has the program provided him with a job he loves, it has also given him a network of successful young adults across Australia as part of the community it has created.
Ben also enjoys being part of the Young Dairy Network.
“Again, the YDN has provided a similar young farmer network who become mates who support and encourage each other.”
Ben sees a future where he runs his own farm, probably more along the lines of a beef farm and not dairy.
“I don’t think I have the skill set to run a dairy farm, but I love the area and will try and stay in Victoria.
“I have made a home here, I am involved in the local CFA brigade in Tongala and Ky Valley is close enough to get to a major city as you need too.”
The Ag Career Start program is open to 18 to 25-year-olds.
It is a unique gap-year program providing a paid job, training and development and an opportunity to build networks within the agriculture industry.
Applicants can indicate the farm type they prefer from a wide variety, and also where in Australia they would ideally like to go.
A matching process is undertaken to ensure participants are assigned to the type of farms that match their interests and skills.
The program includes:
- full-time paid farm job with a passionate host farmer
- $3000 training and engagement bursary to upskill yourself
- engagement with industry events
- dedicated support team
- network of peers across the country.
For more information, visit agcareerstart.com.au
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