Student in the spotlight – Zane

From Farm Life to Leadership Excellence – Zane’s Journey Through the Certificate II in Agriculture.

“It was always a cracking day at RIST!”

Meet Zane – Year 10 graduate, aspiring stock agent, and winner of the 2024 RIST Leadership Award. From crutching sheep to helping classmates, Zane’s passion for Ag and natural leadership set him apart.

Growing up on a sheep farm just outside Tarrington VIC, Zane has always felt most at home among the paddocks, livestock, and to the beat of a busy farm life.

Now, as a 2024 Certificate II in Agriculture graduate and recipient of the prestigious RIST Leadership Award, Zane’s study journey is a true testament to dedication, passion, and leadership in the ag industry.

While completing Year 10 at The Hamilton and Alexandra College, Zane undertook the Certificate II in Agriculture course through RIST. Balancing study, schoolwork, and farming duties at home, he embraced the challenge head-on—earning the title of Proximate Dux for Year 10 in the process.

“I always loved my RIST days,” Zane shared. “It was great to get through the course. I learnt a lot of new things—it really solidified my knowledge.”

Coming from a sheep property, Zane found the crutching elective to be especially rewarding. “I crutched the dry ewes by myself the other week,” he said. “I even gave a classmate a hand crutching his sheep one weekend too.”

His willingness to lend a hand and share his knowledge earned him high praise from RIST staff.

Program Coordinator and Trainer Tamara Hardy said, “Zane was very deserving of receiving the award. He showed leadership throughout the course—always very happy to help out classmates and share ideas.”

“It feels good to get the leadership award,” Zane said. “I like helping others, so it feels great to be recognised. It helps me learn, too.”

As he looks ahead to completing his VCE, Zane hasn’t ruled out further study in agriculture. “I might possibly study the Certificate III in Agriculture or a course at uni,” he said. “If I were to have a career in Ag, I dare say I’d go into it as a stock agent.”

Zane encourages other students—whether new to agriculture or from a farming background—to give the course a go. “It’s a great starting place if you don’t know anything about Ag. It’s worthwhile to add or build your industry knowledge.”

With a bright future ahead and a clear passion for the land, Zane has proven that leadership in agriculture starts with a willingness to learn, share, and get your hands dirty.

As Zane puts it: “It was always a cracking day at RIST.”

Zane pictured at home on the farm, wool classing with his Great Uncle John, crutching, and with his mum Danielle, after receiving the Leadership Award.