Lucy Powell was confident from a very young age that the dairy industry was where her future lay and now she’s preparing to help others discover similar agricultural opportunities.
The 23 year-old agronomist at Webber and Chivell has received about $4000 from the DemoDAIRY Foundation to complete her Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Having already completed a Diploma of Agronomy and Advanced Diploma of Agri Business Management, the new qualification will pave the way for her to teach.
Ms Powell was also recently announced as the runner-up in the Young Farm Leader category of the Great South West Dairy Awards – part-sponsored by DemoDAIRY Foundation.
“I’m not originally from a dairy farm – my family had a small farm near Moriac, but not dairy. I started milking as a teenager and knew pretty early that I wanted to go down the dairy pathway because I saw the future in it,” she said.
“I’ve always been pretty focused on the animal production side of things. I think the dairy industry has so many opportunities for people, not just young people.
“Often perception gets people caught up that the dairy industry is just about milking cows, but there are so many opportunities around that.”
In addition to her full-time job as an agronomist, Ms Powell is heavily involved in agricultural shows as a rural ambassador and has done some teaching through the Timboon Agricultural Program. She also spoke at an international conference in Indonesia.
“I think passion and motivation are the two biggest attributes that any young person in the dairy industry needs,” she said.
“As an agronomist at Webber and Chivell I help farmers understand their system – generally based around pasture management, fertiliser, seed and chemical usage.
“In 10 years I think all farms will be somewhat self-sustainable – potentially for an increase in overall cow production. Pasture-based systems will become more important with grass being the cheapest form of feed to create milk.
“I’m passionate about it and love what I do. Completing my Cert IV in Training and Assessment, which I’ve just started, will further my skill set and mean I can also teach at TAFE level and help other people foster their careers in dairy and agriculture.”
HOW DO I APPLY
Existing grants include;
- Business management skill development: Scholarships of $2500 to $5000 per year to agreed courses. Dairy business management projects: Grants of $1000 to $2000 to create awareness in appropriate education organisations and assess proposed projects.
- Innovation grants: Up to $5000: Offered through the contracted service providers (currently Agriculture Victoria, WestVic Dairy and some dairy companies) to the groups.
- Capacity development grants: Grants of $2000 to $5000 to screened candidates.
- Emerging issues grants: Short proposals developed with relevant industry stakeholders and reviewed by the DemoDAIRY Foundation board.
- Powell Legacy Fund: Up to $3000 annually for up to three years across the areas of education, agriculture and volunteering.
Applications can be completed online here www.demodairy.com.au/scholarships-and-grants/application/
DemoDAIRY Foundation secretary Ian Teese can be contacted directly on 0427 358 987 or email him via info@demodairy.com.au