Farm girl at heart, with stud on the horizon

"I'm studying rural operations because I have a love for cattle and anything involving farming," said Kallia. 

"I chose TAFE over university because it's more hands on and a lot more experience-based than what university is."

Another factor in her decision to choose TAFE Queensland was that she was eligible for Free TAFE for Under 25s funding, meaning the full cost of her training was covered by the Queensland Government.

"It's great because I'm currently working and trying to find my footing for my future and not paying anything for my course," she said. 

Growing up on a farm, Kallia knew a fair bit but has learned lots of new things and different ways to do them.

"What I'm learning at TAFE Queensland is helping me expand on my past experiences on my family's farm, and it's helping me get my foot into my future with feedlots and properties out west and up north," Kallia continued.

"I split my time between the Toowoomba and Warwick campuses, and I really enjoy being in the Rural Centre of Excellence and on the working farm respectively."

"It's important to do the hands-on training. We’ve been given opportunities to work on chicken farms, undertake seasonal work on farms and have been taken on field trips to different properties, to see different farming practices.”

"I also like my teachers at TAFE Queensland because they're very helpful, and they give you the right information for what you need to be doing and help you out when you need. They give you the best opportunities and pathways to lead off from."

Kallia’s dream of starting her own cattle stud in the next five years is now closer than she imagined. While at TAFE Queensland she has benefited from learning about different breeds, stock types, and identifying the different supplements required to help cattle during drought conditions. 

"I currently have five herd of cattle in my family farm at Kingaroy. After I finish this course, I want to buy a small property, so I can bring my cattle down and start breeding them, so then I have a stud, and I can start cattle showing again. I have a big passion for cattle showing and seeing where cattle start and where they end up," she said.

For anyone considering a career in the agriculture and rural operations industry, Kallia has some advice. 

"If you're thinking about it, just do it, because it's very rewarding," she said. 

“You learn where your food comes from, and how hard it is for farmers. You can always do something else if you don’t like it or you can use what you’ve learned when you’re older.”

As for how she defines greatness?

"Greatness, to me, is having family, and trying to help your family and friends with everything they need and just opportunities in your life and not taking anything for granted."