Giaan Gration admits that if it wasn’t for the support of DemoDAIRY Foundation, she probably wouldn’t be studying for a career in the industry.
For the past five years, Giaan has worked at Schultz Organic Dairy just outside Timboon, and has recently competed her Certificate III through RIST.
However, she hadn’t planned to continue with her Certificate IV, even though she knew it would have long-term benefits.
“It’s hard to afford anything these days, especially being a young renter and having to pay for fuel,” Giaan admits.
“I wasn’t going to bother with the Cert IV and had told RIST I couldn’t afford it but my bosses said I should and then RIST told me about the DemoDAIRY Foundation scholarships.”
“With that help, I thought I might as well because I want to stay in the dairy industry.”
Giaan grew up on a hobby farm and followed her brother as a milker at Schultz Organic Dairy after moving from Cobden about five years ago.
Now 20, Giaan has long been keen on dairy farming. “I was keen to give it a crack because I’d started on a little hobby farm, mainly horses and a couple of beef cows, and then started milking after school and weekends to save for a car. That evolved into work placement two days a week through school.”
Now full-time, Giaan’s role has expanded more into animal husbandry and tractor work. “I still have a lot to learn,” she said.
Giann has completed her Certificate III in Agriculture through RIST and previously started to study automotive while working part-time with a diesel mechanic. “I moved to RIST as I thought it would make more sense than continuing automotive when I’m working on a farm.”
“I’m happy now I’ve chosen agriculture. I didn’t realise how much I missed it until I got back to doing it more.”
She says the study has been useful to back-up the practical on-farm experience. “I’m lucky here that my bosses are very knowledgeable; they teach me heaps.”
Giaan is aware of the challenges facing young people wanting to make headway in the dairy industry. “Staying in ag is hard for a young person,” she said. “I probably couldn’t afford a farm until I’m 50 but I’m working towards a manager or herd manager role. That’s what my bosses are trying to build me up to be.
“I enjoy the responsibility side of things and I like working with the cows – depending on the day, and I enjoy the hands-on work. Every day is different.:”
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.
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