Love of Agriculture

Hi All, I’m Sophie, I’m a Wool Classer from Victoria, Australia. I grew up on a Sheep Farm in the Western District of Victoria, which embedded my passion for the Agricultural Industry. I began working in shearing sheds straight after I finished at Ballarat High School in 2013. I began working as a “rouseabout” or shearing shed hand. I was working for a Contracting team travelling around Victoria, occasionally going to NSW. Rouseabouting was a very physically demanding job, but I loved the work, it kept me fit, great people to work with, and was a great opportunity to travel the countryside. I was fortunate enough to have some great mentors and trainers within the industry who were always there to improve techniques and knowledge to create a better workplace. As I began growing a strong interest in wool, I completed my Certificate in Wool Classing. As a Classer, I am responsible for overseeing the work of others in the shed and also in charge of grouping wool (fleece) into categories including length and thickness, quality, colour, strength and cleanliness.

After a few years of working in the shearing sheds I soon wanted to further my knowledge in the Agricultural industry, so in 2015 I went and studied full time at Longerenong Ag College ( Longy) in Victoria. The Cert lV in Agriculture course involved practical on farm training, business studies and had a main focus on cropping and animal production. Longy also had a great social environment and I made some amazing friends who were like minded. We had some great times at events and Longy parties, also attending many Bachelor and Spinster Balls (BNS’s) with Longerenong BNS being my first of many. Longy BNS was also where I met my partner of 9 years (2 years if you ask him), where he got to drive me home in his one tonner ute, covered in food dye and mud to meet the parents.

At the end of my first year of Ag school, after I had just completed my certificate, I was involved in a serious car accident, which left me with serious lower back and leg injuries. With recovery first priority, I did not return to complete my second year.

In 2016, after months of recovery I was keen to get back into the work environment and with my new certificate I found a new job in farm retail. I worked in a sales merchandise position at Nutrien Agricultural supplies and Crossroads trading (a similar role), selling rural merchandise, animal health products, stock feed, chemicals and so much more. I also went and got my Heavy Rigid truck license which allowed me to do deliveries and got me out and about a bit more. These retail roles enabled me to gain a better understanding and knowledge in a wider range of Agricultural practices, and I built strong relationships within the industry.

With ongoing surgeries and treatments to get my body physically stronger and minimize pain, a few years later I was keen to get out of the retail office job, so I returned back to the shearing sheds. I started out just working for myself doing private wool classing jobs around the Ballarat area. In 2019, I found a new contracting team around Ballarat, which soon became full time all year around work, as the demand for workers within the industry was, and still is high. A great thing which I also love about working in the sheds, is that I get to work with my dogs everyday. I have two Kelpies “Tex” who is 8 and “Jack” 2, who I have been training. I have taken Jack to a few working dog schools (highly recommend doing for anyone starting out training a working dog). I have learnt so many great techniques through multiple trainers such as Neil McDonald who was involved in the ABC show Muster Dogs, Ian O’Connell, Jo Spicer & Travis Scott.

A few months ago, in mid 2022 my ongoing ankle issues suddenly took a toll and I was unable to continue working in the sheds. I was instructed by my surgeon in Melbourne that I would now need to have Ankle Fusion surgery after arthritis became severe. I am now recovering from surgery. The 4-6 month recovery time, before I am able to return back to work, has given me the idea to start my very own small side business, and to be able to showcase the love I have for this industry.

My Business also will draw awareness to the high mental illness and suicide rates in Rural Australia, which has impacted myself, close friends and family. So therefore, I wish to support the Black Dog Institute in research, management and treatment of mental illness and suicide prevention, which is very close to my heart.