If you cast your eyes around many Australian properties and stations – something seems to be increasingly missing. Young people. The role of Jackaroo or Jillaroo was often a coming-of-age opportunity for the next generation of farmers. Determined to bring them back, is a group of bushies in the NSW Riverina. Those former jackaroos have since forged successful careers for themselves and want the next generation to have the same opportunity. Hay Inc is a community-led rural education program opening doors – or to be more specific farm-gates – to kids. To learn more, one of their alumni, Logan Wright joins me now to discuss:

• Logan is based in Holbrook in NSW at Fairview Station and tells us his favourite place on the farm.
• The role of a station hand and what an average day looks like.
• Logan always wanted to work in ag and shares some of the hurdles he faced pursuing this career as a young man coming into the industry.
• We talk about the ‘Hay Inc Rural Education Program.’ This program is run by local volunteer famers who were concerned about the markedly reduced number of young people entering the industry.
• We know young people have fewer opportunities in ag these days and Logan shares how this program helped him upskill.
• Hay Inc. has brought about a community through the training. As well as the skills, Logan now has access to an invaluable network.
• Completing the Hay Inc. program in 2023, Logan was a stand-out graduate and was awarded The Mathew Vick Scholarship.
• Logan’s learnings though this scholarship and, what it has enabled him to do.
• So, what does Logan love most about life on the land?
• A common misconception about working as a farm hand.
• Logan shares the unexpected, and his career trajectory.
• Logan’s ultimate dream for the future.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

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Hay Inc.

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