After completing my Ag Science degree, I did a Post-graduate Diploma in Applied Science in Agriculture (dairy farm management) at Massey University NZ.
My first role in the Victorian dairy industry (12 years) was with the Dairy Research & Extension team at the Warrnambool Department of Primary Industries. I co-facilitated Sustainable Farm Families workshops (to address farmer health, wellbeing and safety issues in collaboration with the National Centre for Farmer Health). I assisted with local dairy conferences, field days, workshops & solely organised & implemented dairy farmer tours overseas & interstate.
I enjoyed weekend relief milking on a 200-cow Allansford farm for eight years, which extended to full-time work on this farm for six months, which I loved!
My next role (15 years) was a Project & Field Officer at Warrnambool Cheese & Butter (& later Saputo), where I initially worked on the MilkPlus Project with 4 SW farms to identify ways to improve BF & MP through feeding.
Ever since my introduction to hands-on farming in NZ, I have been interested in the combined science and practicalities of looking after ruminants as part of a whole farm system. Achieving well-fed, healthy, fertile and productive ruminants through a simple, grass-based system can be very profitable and satisfying for the people involved.
At Reid’s I am in the Nutrition & Sales Team, working closely with customers to understand their farming systems & to help them achieve animal health, fertility, performance & profit goals through provision of feeding advice & ration formulations
Q1: Share some interesting facts about yourself
- My interest in agriculture started from spending weekends & holidays on my uncle & aunt’s sheep farm at Rokewood, Victoria when I was growing up.
- I own a couple of paddocks East of Warrnambool, on which I agist & manage the grazing for a small number of dairy heifers through the growing season.
- I worked as a Vet Nurse, Medical Secretary and Stable-hand for seven years before I changed to a career in agriculture.
Q2: What do you believe differentiates Reids from other companies?
At Reid’s, we are small enough for all staff to know each other, with a commitment to each other to help out wherever possible, and to offer a customer-centred service.
Q3: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt in life?
Everyone has a story; it is up to each of us to get to know each others’ stories and thereby understand and not judge each other on just what we see.
Q4: Your goals or aspirations for the future.
Enjoy my work and play, stay healthy and prioritise time with friends & family.
Q5: Quote or mantra that inspires you
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can” – Arthur Ashe, US tennis champion