Young Victorian beef producers will have the chance to work in Northern Australia with the announcement of the second annual NAPCo and VFF Livestock Group internship.

Last year’s inaugural intern Aaron Brown from Wonthaggi said his experience at Boomara near Cloncurry was ‘life-changing’

Beef producers aged between 18-35 have the opportunity to diversify their skills through a paid, six-week to three-month internship with North Australian Pastoral Company.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for young beef farmers to get a hands on experience at what farming is like up north,” VFF Livestock president Ian Feldtmann said.

“This year the lucky recipient will be based at Marion Downs, 66km South-west of Boulia in Queensland. The property is run as a grower property for weaner cattle.

“Rabobank will help make this internship possible by sponsoring the travel arrangements for the successful applicant,” Mr Feldtmann said.

Last year’s inaugural intern Aaron Brown from Wonthaggi said his experience was “life changing”. Aaron was situated in Boomara, 130km north of Cloncurry.

He documented his journey in a live blog:

“Today we mustered 150 cows from another watering point called ‘Bloodwood’ and drove them to a central set of stock yards called ‘Katies’. The paddock was called ‘9 Mile’ and we mustered that on the previous Wednesday. Once we arrived at the yards we drafted off the weaners and trucked them back to the main homestead yards for weaning, marking and processing. Due to the size of the paddock – 13,511 hectares, it has to be mustered in four sections. The next muster will involve the use of a helicopter to get the remaining 700 cows.
I found today particularly rewarding as the cattle yard skills that Fred has been showing me is starting to make sense and practicing is really helping me. It is quite amazing just how quiet the cows on the property are and it is a testament to Fred and his commitment to handling cattle with respect. Many farmers in the area have said I am working on one of the best properties in the Gulf region and now I truly believe this to be the case.”

NAPCo has a strong history of assisting in the development of young peoples’ careers, which will provide a secure and safe environment for an intern.

To be eligible for the internship, applicants must be 35 years or younger, display a dedication to the beef industry, have ambitions of a long term career with agriculture, be adaptable to changing work conditions and environment and a willingness to report back to the VFF about their internship.

Applications will close 16 May and are open to all young Victorian livestock producers. To apply go to the VFF Livestock page, or for further enquiries contact Kate Henne at Khenne@vff.org.au

Source: VFF. For further information contact VFF Livestock Project Officer Kate Henne on 1300 882 833.