PROFILE OF A DAIRY EQUIPMENT SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Karl was always interested in dairy farming although his family did not have a farm. He completed a part time apprenticeship during years 11 and 12 at school. His employer had a large herd south of Colac in western Victoria. Karl worked for 5 years with this employer. He was encouraged to study as many courses as possible and the farmer was very willing for Karl to try new ideas and techniques.

During this time, Karl was named Apprentice of the Year for the Gordon Institute and won the Vic Stock award for the leading second year farm apprentice for the Western region. As part of the prize, Karl visited Tasmania for 10 days staying with farmers. Karl says he learnt a lot from talking with the host farmers.

When an opportunity to sharefarm a local farm came up, Karl felt he had sufficient experience from his first job, study during the apprenticeship and the Tasmanian tour to apply. He was successful with the position and moved to share farm a 200 hectare property nearby. Karl was responsible for the full day to day running of the farm.

When the owners of the property decided to sell the property, Karl reassessed his options and decided to accept a position as a Dairy Equipment Salesman with a local company. The job means he still has contact with dairy farmers and can keep up to date with changes in the industry.

Karl plans to go back to dairy farming in the future.