Local veterinarian and farm consultant, Chelsea Hair, attended a ceremony in Sydney last week, celebrating the completion of her internship.
Chelsea said the Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) livestock consultancy internship covered every facet of agriculture, looking at the big picture of farming.
“It was a really well-rounded course that trained us to become better advisors,” Chelsea said.
Chelsea, who works for Alison Gunn in her consultancy business Herd Solutions, started in her role about a year ago.
She and Alison have veterinary clients from Sale to Bruthen and also run four Better Beef groups.
She said the course had taught her a lot.
“From teaching us about major on-farm strategic decisions, right through to succession planning and conflict management, to communication skills and even personality profiling, it was all about how to help farmers because they’re all different.
“It was a really great opportunity, and we also created a good network within the industry with the other participants, instead of just staying in the bubble of our regions.
“I have learnt so much in the past 12 months.
“It’s also a great initiative to help small businesses employ another person.”
The MLA program, managed by Meridian Agriculture, was established to help address the decline in extension services offered by public agencies.
It aims to support private consulting businesses to overcome the substantial financial costs and time required to upskill graduates, boosting the number of new entrants to the livestock consultancy field.
IMAGE: Alison Gunn, Herd Solutions (centre), with previous employee Charlie Mintz, left, and current employee, veterinarian Chelsea Hair, celebrating the end of the MLA internship. (PS)
