After a decade of farming and honing his interest in agronomy, Isaac Hose has taken a new career direction.
Isaac had worked for the Philp family at Garvoc but earlier this year pivoted to a new career as a trainee agronomist with Webber and Chivell.
And, with the support of the DemoDAIRY Foundation, he’s returning to study.
While farming, Isaac completed his Certificate III and IV and a Diploma of Agriculture with a scholarship from DemoDAIRY Foundation and he’s now started a Diploma of Applied Agronomy through South West TAFE.
He says the various courses have helped to shape his career and he continues to reap the benefits of ongoing study.
“I enjoy study and think that it’s good to keep learning. The new scholarship will cover the entire cost of the course so it has been very helpful.”
Isaac’s move to a new career is partly prompted by his love of growing grass, but he’s also pursuing a better work-life balance.
“I don’t have to get up as early any more, which is good. I’m married with a child and the seven days a week lifestyle of farming didn’t suit. I wanted to study a bit more and spend more time with the family.”
He’s also pursuing his real passion for farming. “When I went farming, I was always more interested in the growing grass side of it, and that developed further as I went along.
“You’re either a cow, grass or machinery person – grass is always the one for me. I find it satisfying seeing the improvement year-on-year. The farm I was on was already well established, but I am now seeing the change you can make to a farm and it’s quite rewarding.”
DemoDAIRY Foundation will wind up in 2027. It is no longer offering scholarships but will consider study tour grants for farmer groups or individuals to learn about dairying and farm business management in other areas.