Name: Hamish
Role Title: Dairy Farmer/ Manager
Location: Tatura, Northern Victoria

Description of work undertaken: As a dairy farmer, Hamish has varied tasks including office work, pasture management, irrigation management, animal nutrition, heifer rearing, milking and fodder conservation. Team and / or individual role / responsibilities: Hamish is primarily responsible for the day-to-day operation of a 750 cow herd. Hamish's goal is to be in the top 10% of dairy farms in Australia, in terms of ethics, herd health and production.

Future?
At farm level, Hamish hopes to increase cow numbers and production. His goal is to be in the top 10% of dairy farms in Australia, in terms of ethics, herd health and production.

BACKGROUND:
Grew up where?
Hamish grew up in Tatura, where he has been involved in the family farm all his life.

Course(s) studied:
Tertiary /post secondary:
Hamish has completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Majoring in Accounting).

Work experience:
Hamish has worked in a variety of situations - for a gardening contractor, a wheat contractor (harvesting), worked in factories and has worked on his family's dairy farm from a young age.

OPPORTUNITIES:
Further study:
Hamish hopes to gain further knowledge in nutrition and staff management, emphasising on systems management on a dairy farm. He will do this by attending various short courses and conferences.

Learning on job, new skills, etc.
Hamish is constantly learning on the job, with issues such as animal health/nutrition, financial issues, pasture management and staff management.

Travel, etc.
Hamish regularly attends dairy industry group conferences and benchmarking seminars throughout Victoria.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW:
students up to Year 10
Hamish suggests that students should first identify their goals and preferred lifestyle. He believes that students should complete subjects that have some interest to them, providing a balance between career availability and personal interest.

VCE students
Hamish says that students should research career options carefully and to gain as much work experience possible.

Tertiary students
Hamish believes that students should be motivated to complete a tertiary course. He also says that being confident in what you do is a stepping stone for future employment.

OTHER:
Comments, thoughts, suggestions.
Hamish believes that working in any career area should not be daunting but enjoyable.

What careers have other graduates from your course entered?
Graduates from Hamish's course have gone no to be Accountants, Auditors, Tax Specialists, Bank Managers and Financial Planners.