With support from a DemoDAIRY Foundation scholarship, Abbey is studying a Bachelor of Animal Science majoring in livestock science while working on her family farm with parents Les and Julie at Princetown.
Both her parents are generational dairy farmers. “It’s really in my blood,” Abbey says.
They milk 140 Ayrshire, Brown Swiss and Holstein cows on 180 acres and Abbey’s love of cows and breeding has inspired her study choice. “We very passionate about our different breeds; Dad and I are particularly passionate about breeding the Ayrshires,” she said.
“My main interest is animal health, particularly nutrition.”
Abbey is studying online through the University of New England, and is enjoying the mix of farm work and study.
“As I was growing up, I fell in love with cows and decided then that I want to study further and always have a career in dairy, whether it’s on the farm or in a service provider role,” she said.
“I didn’t want to move away so I get the best of both worlds by staying and working on the farm and studying online. I’m very fortunate that DemoDAIRY Foundation’s support allows people to study in non-conventional ways.”
Abbey, 26, applied for the scholarship after seeing other DemoDAIRY Foundation success stories on social media.
She is about to finish her first-year subjects and hopes to complete the course by studying part-time over four or five years.
Her love of Ayrshire cows – “they have beautiful personalities and are fuss-free cows” – has led her to serving five years as the secretary of the local Western District Ayrshire Cattle Club.
“It’s good to get involved with other breeders,” Abbey said. “It’s a nice social thing. Farmers love talking about cows to anyone who will listen!”
Abbey says the scholarship has been incredibly helpful. “It has taken some of the financial stress out of studying. I still have to go to Armidale in NSW every trimester for intensive schools so it has helped with on-campus accommodation. It has also been used for text books and lab material and helping contribute to paying off student loans.”
Abbey’s main goal with her study is to work with farmers and stay in dairy.
“If I’m not on a farm, I hope to work in a service role helping farmers with nutrition and animal health, with a particular interest in how nutrition affects reproduction and fertility,” she said.
“I’ve always wanted a qualification, even if it’s just as a back-up. I’m the first person in my family to go to uni so it’s a big step for us. It’s nice to be studying something that I’m passionate about and I can apply what I learn to my work on the farm.”
Abbey completed a Proud to be a Dairyfarmer program last year and her passion for the industry is obvious.
“I love the cows first and foremost, but I love how many opportunities there are in dairy and you get to meet people who are just as passionate about dairy cows as you are. It gives you a sense of belonging.”