Student in the Spotlight 🔦 Jacob Sanderson

Like most country kids at just 17 years of age, Jacob Sanderson has more than just a few handy skills up his sleeve.

When he is not at school or home on the farm, Jacob is an avid shearer and CFA volunteer in Myamyn Victoria. He also runs his own contracting business, Sanderson Bros Contracting. As part of his entrepreneurial path all equipment for his business has been purchased himself, using money earned and saved up from shearing. He has bought a generator powered shearing trailer for grinding, shearing and crutching in locations where there is no electricity, shed or yards. And he also mows, rakes and bales small squares of hay using all old equipment, which he has restored and maintains to working order himself.

Image Supplied. Jacob pictured before competing in a shearing competition in 2024.

Jacobs shearing journey started back in Year 7 at Heywood District Secondary College. When at 13 years old, he picked up a handpiece for the first time when the school needed someone to shear their sheep. What began as a helping hand, has now turned into a passion project. Jacob recognising the value of shearing—not just as a vital farming skill, but also as a great source of income for the future.

Fast forward to today and Jacob’s commitment has already earned him some impressive accolades. Earlier this year he won the Novice Shearing section of the Natimuk Show and more recently he clinched second place in Novice Shearing and won the Junior Encouragement Award at the Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show.

Jacob thrives in clean shearing competitions, where the focus is on the quality of the shear rather than the sheer number of sheep. “It’s about perfecting the craft,” Jacob says, “not just getting through as many sheep as you can.” He plans to follow the whole Victorian speed/sports shear circuit around this year.

Inspiration plays a huge role in Jacob’s journey. He looks up to his cousin Caleb Morgan, who shore an incredible 800 sheep in one day, and credits mentors Stuart and Anja Croft and Rodney and Sara Morgan for guiding him through his Certificate II and now Certificate III in Agriculture studies with RIST. He attributes their support as being invaluable in shaping his goals and ambitions.

In March this year, Jacob celebrated his Graduation from the Certificate II in Agriculture Course with RIST and he is now pursuing a Certificate III in Agriculture at RIST and a Certificate II in Engineering at TAFE, alongside his regular schoolwork. It’s a busy schedule, but Jacob is determined to finish Year 12 with three certificates to his name. “It’s challenging, but it’s worth it,” he says, motivated by his future prospects.

Pictured: Jacob Sanderson with RIST CEO, Bill Hamill, at his Graduation from the Certificate II in Agriculture in March 2024.

When reflecting on favourite components of the Certificate II in Agriculture Course, Jacob said he enjoyed being with people with similar interests and ideas, and highlights include Joe Spicer’s working dog skills sessions and the opportunity to participate in the shearing schools at Brown’s with Nick Carmody. Jacob also recently enjoyed teaching his mum and dad a new fencing knot he learnt in his course when erecting a new fence on their block. 

When choosing to pursue the Certificate III in Agriculture, Jacob explained that he wanted to continue his education with RIST because he expected it “would build on what he learned in Cert II, but with more meat and substance to it”.

Looking to the future, in 10 years Jacob dreams of having his own house, land and livestock and family, and to continue building on his agricultural career.

For those of you thinking about getting into shearing or agriculture, Jacob’s advice is spot-on: “Immerse yourself in the industry, push through the tough times, and surround yourself with knowledgeable people. Their expertise will be incredibly valuable.”

With Jacobs achievements to date and impressive vision for the future, we’re sure he’s set to make a big impact on the Agricultural and wool space. Congratulations Jacob, we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!

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A closing word from Jacob’s mum Alysia,

“Jacob is not always keen to get out of bed to catch the school bus on school days – but he leaps out to catch the even earlier bus on RIST mornings and happily gets up before dawn to work for his host employers.

We really appreciate the interest all the staff at RIST have taken in Jacob and how they specialise in discovering what makes each kid tick to make their learning relevant to their interests. The courtesy bus pick up and drop off is also very much appreciated by our family”.

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Thanks Alysia! We also recognise the wonderful support network our students have from family, friends, employers and their schools – watching our students thrive doing things they love is incredibly rewarding.