Student Stories

Ben - Certificate III in Agriculture Graduate

“I’m deeply connected to agriculture, living on my family’s sheep and crop farm in Lake Bolac. I work on the farm year-round every day when I’m not at school. I’m outside with the dogs, doing sheep work, fencing, on the excavator, or in the tractor. Farming is a big part of my life”.
 
– Ben

Jack - Certificate IV in Agriculture Student

“My father, Rob, who has extensive industry knowledge to share and is great to discuss ideas with, inspires me.”
 
– Jack
 
 

Katy - Certificate III in Agriculture Graduate & Jeremy Upton Scholarship Recipient

“Working in Agriculture is something I’ll do for the rest of my life”
 
 – Katy McMahon

Jacob - Certificate III in Agriculture Student

 
“Immerse yourself in the industry, push through the tough times, and surround yourself with knowledgeable people. Their expertise will be incredibly valuable.”
 
– Jacob

Kerry - Certificate IV in Agriculture

Meet Kerry Leigh, a 40-year-old Mum of three, Certificate IV in Agriculture Student and full-time dairy farmer at Aurora Dairies in Hamilton.

Kiarah - Certificate III in Agriculture Student

Meet Kiarah and her Border Collie Boots

Student Stories

At RIST, we’re passionate about creating pathways to successful careers in Agriculture for all our students.

We have an incredible community of students at RIST. All possessing different skills, interests and ambitions, and each representing the faces, passion and talent of the current and next generation of Agriculture.

Their stories reflect the heart of RIST – a commitment to growth, innovation and lifelong learning, Enjoy the read, You’re sure to be inspired!

Student in the Spotlight

Archer, Certificate II in Agriculture graduate

“RIST gave me that break in the week to do something I’m passionate about, and something I really want to do.”

When sixteen-year-old Archer Cameron walks the paddocks of his family’s sheep and cattle property at Nareen, Victoria, he sees more than mobs and pasture. He sees a future – one he is already shaping through study, hard work and a drive to lead.

Fresh from completing his Certificate II in Agriculture at RIST – Archer has wasted no time enrolling in the Certificate III program while tackling his VCE at Balmoral K-12 Community College.

Student in the Spotlight

Sophie, Certificate II in Agriculture graduate

At just 18 years old, Sophie is already on a bold path in agriculture — from growing up on a farm in Victoria’s Western Districts to now heading to a cattle station in the Northern Territory.

A recent graduate of the Certificate II in Agriculture at RIST, Sophie is proving that passion, curiosity, and hands-on experience are a powerful combination for a successful future in the ag industry.

Student in the Spotlight

Zane, Certificate II in Agriculture graduate

 

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

 

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.

Student in the Spotlight

Rachael, Diploma of Agriculture graduate

Rachael McGrath is a established leader in the Australian dairy industry while playing a vital role in the operation of her family’s dairy farm in Orford, South West Victoria.

Now at  29 years old, working alongside her father and uncle, both aged in their 70s, she has embraced managing their full Jersey herd and innovative farming practices, alongside leadership roles that have opened up for her within the industry.

 

Her deep connection to the land and her passion for the dairy industry are evident in every aspect of her work.

Student in the Spotlight

Chloe, Certificate II in Shearing Graduate

Chloe Dann fell into shearing after a job opportunity lead her to a RIST shearing school in 2017.

 

Today, Chloe is a small mob shearing contractor with a passion for educating and supporting the peri-urban and hobby farmer community on managing sheep health and welfare.
 
As she reflects on her journey, Chloe offers a gentle reminder to anyone feeling stuck in a job or life they dislike,
 
“It’s never ever too late to find what sets you on fire.” For her, that fire is shearing—a passion she continues to nurture and share with others. 
 

Read more from Chloe’s journey into shearing…

Student in the Spotlight

Jake, Certificate III in Agriculture Graduate

“I do believe that it takes a lot of work to be a farmer, and anyone that is brave enough to take the career on and succeed, is aspirational in their own respect”
– Jake
 
Jake Tonissen has grown up on the land and is based at Byaduk, Vic and at 18, he is currently completing his final term of schooling in Hamilton. When he is not in the classroom, he is a dedicated member of his family’s maternal and terminal sheep enterprise, Chrome Sheep Studs. 
 
In August this year, Jake graduated with a Certificate III in Agriculture, where he was awarded the graduating class Leadership Award.
 

Read more about Jake’s passion for Agriculture …

More Student Stories

Ollie Baker

Certificate II in Agriculture student, DemoDAIRY Foundation Scholarship recipient

Katy McMahon

Certificate III in Agriculture Graduate & Jeremy Upton Foundation Scholarship recipient.

Jacquelien Pol

Certificate IV in Agriculture Student & DemoDAIRY Foundation Scholarship recipient.
Image sourced DemoDairy.com
 
 
 
 

Dylan Light

Diploma of Agriculture Graduate and DemoDAIRY Foundation Scholarship recipient.

Image sourced DemoDairy.com