When Benjamin Way hatched plans two years ago to move from Melbourne to the country and farm chickens, he had no idea what he was getting into.
Now his small 48-hectare Springfield operation yields about 1600 eggs a day, supplying a number of local restaurants.
Now Mr Way is looking to expand into the retail sector, and is a step closer now that he’s picked up a $10,000 state government young farmer’s scholarship.
Mr Way is one of 12 Young Farmers Scholarship recipients awarded this month. Agriculture minister Jaala Pulford said the funds go towards training and upskilling that helps young farmers build farming enterprises for the future.
“Attracting the next generation of farmers to a life on the land is crucial to meet the growing demand for high quality, safe produce, and to improve access to key markets, such as Asia and the Middle East,” Ms Pulford said.“Our young farmers are the future of agriculture.
“Our government is getting on with giving them the support they need to increase productivity, efficiency and be the leaders of tomorrow.
“Our scholarship program is part of the Andrews Labor government’s promise to attract and support the next generation of farmers.
“I congratulate all the scholarship winners and look forward to seeing them take up their roles as leaders in our $13.1 billion agricultural industry.”
Next year’s scholarship round opens mid-2017 and is available for farmers aged 35 or less who have been working in farm businesses for at least three days a week for the previous three months.
