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NCDEA student is VFF Dairy Apprentice of the Year

The United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV), the dairy commodity of the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), have named Julian Coburn, an agricultural apprentice from Timboon, as the recipient of the VFF/Elders Insurance Dairy Apprentice of the Year award.

The Award was presented yesterday at the UDV Annual Conference, at the Sofitel on Collins in Melbourne.

Julian is a 19-year-old dairy apprentice who is currently completing his Certificate III in Agriculture with the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia in Terang. He also runs a contracting business driving tractors for Ausmilk.

Julian grew up on the family farm at Katunga in northern Victoria and went to school at Numurkah Secondary College. He is a fourth generation dairy farmer so when his dad made the decision two years ago to sell the family farm and move to the Western district to manage a corporate farm, Julian decided it was an ideal time to take up a dairy apprenticeship.

"I was thinking of doing engineering but it was really hard to give up the farming lifestyle," said Julian.

"Now I breed Illawarra and Jersey champions and have my sights set on farm management. The NCDEA course is really relevant and I like the practical training. The study provided the insight into farming practices and has helped a lot with activities such as pasture management," he said.

UDV President Doug Chant said Julian had demonstrated outstanding knowledge and passion for the industry, along with a strong ambition to remain involved in agriculture throughout his career.

"Julian has excellent knowledge of the key issues within the dairy industry, including pasture management and breeding programs. His successful contracting business demonstrates an impressive amount of initiative and dedication, and makes Julian a very worthy recipient of this award," Mr Chant said.

"It is important to reward young people for their achievements and leadership within farming. Such recognition encourages winners and their peers to continue to work hard to increase their skills and knowledge, thus helping to ensure that the future of our industry is in safe and capable hands."

"I congratulate Julian on his achievements and wish him well in his future endeavours," Mr Chant concluded.

As part of his prize Julian will receive a 12 month VFF student membership valued at $83, and is now in the running to be named the VFF/Elders Insurance Agricultural Apprentice of the Year, to be announced at the VFF Conference Gala Dinner at the Sofitel Melbourne tonight.

The overall winner will receive a Honda CTX200A valued at over $5,000 and a full day rider's course at HART. Both the winner and runner up will receive a scholarship from Marcus Oldham to attend a one week Rural Leadership Program.

For more information contact the NCDEA on 1300 0 NCDEA (1300 0 62332).