Nellie Patterson plans to start her own line of Charolais cattle, a breed raised for their beef and known for their distinguishable white coat.
The 18-year-old from Riddells Creek has just finished her certificate III in agriculture at Salesian College, where she completed year 12 this year, and now wants to add to her 15 head of cattle grazing on her parents’ property.
Ms Patterson also works part-time for her parents’ construction property and is breaking in one of her brumbies in an effort to sell it before the end of the year.
“It’s pretty hectic all the time,” she said.
Last month she was among a group of students awarded for their outstanding work and achievement at the Hume/Whittlesea VET/VCAL/SBAT Awards.
The ceremony is organised by Hume Whittlesea Local Learning and Employment Network to recognise secondary students who go above and beyond in vocational studies.
Roxburgh Park’s Daniel Raiti, 18, was nominated for making the most of his work experience. He completed two work placements, one at an air-conditioning company and another installing motorised gates.
When asked why he thought he was nominated, the Penola College student said it probably came down to initiative.
“When a problem arose I tried to fix it myself before asking someone else because I have a bit of background knowledge,” he said.
