Emily Walsh has tried many jobs — from car sales to being a governess on a Queensland cattle station — but agronomy was always on her mind.
Now with the support of a DemoDAIRY Foundation student scholarship for her Diploma of Applied Agronomy at Longerenong College, Emily is forging a career in the field.
Emily is just about to start her online course but has already starting working alongside three other agronomists at Webber and Chivell in Cobden, in south-west Victoria.
“I’ve gone from working lots of little jobs to the car industry and then to Queensland to work as a governess on a cattle station — but I never lost sight of my agronomist goal,” she said.
“I let Webber and Chivell know that I was interested in working with them and was very happy when this job came up.
“It’s not common to get a job as an agronomist without having an actual qualification but it’s going well and I’m learning every day from the other agronomists who excel in what they do.
“I’m very lucky; we’re very much a team.”
Emily was raised on a dairy farm at Chocolyn and has always had an interest in agriculture.
“Someone told me a long time ago that I would make a good agronomist so I did some more research and learnt more about that sort of role and it just seemed right for me.”
She now has a clear vision of the role of an agronomist.
“It’s an interesting industry that’s gives me the opportunity to help farmers.
“You’re starting from the ground and you can help both the farmer and the animal.
“A good agronomist is one that supports the farmer and aims to help them become a profitable farmer.”
After starting in her new role in May, Emily is enjoying being back on familiar ground.
“I’m from a dairying background and I’m glad to be part of it again.
“It’s been a good career choice and I’m really excited about starting the study.
“The DemoDAIRY Foundation scholarship has been a great help and I’m very grateful.”
More information about DemoDAIRY Foundation scholarships can be found at: www.demodairy.com.au/