TOM McGrath is a young Wimmera farmer not content to rest on his laurels.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 24-year-old owns his own farm at Minyip and works as a shearer at properties across the region, state and country.
A passionate advocate for young people on the land, Mr McGrath is also outspoken on the positives of the shearing industry.
He said the industry offered opportunities not seen in other occupations.
“The ability to work and travel in this profession are almost limitless with sheep in Europe, America, New Zealand and all over our country,” he said.
“My sister Ellie and I both worked in England for four months as a roustabout and shearer respectively.
“It was an awesome way to travel and meet all sorts of characters on a much more personal level. We felt more like locals than tourists.”
Mr McGrath said while the job of a shearer was demanding, the rewards were numerous.
As a shearer Mr McGrath earns roughly $3.20 for every sheep he shears.
During a typical run, he can shear as many as 40 sheep, which equates to roughly 160 a day.
“Off the back of the hand-piece I’ve bought 350-acres, a house and a brand new Hilux ute,” he said.
“There’s certainly the opportunity to get ahead financially if you’re smart with your money.
“Shearing was once the back bone of the Australian economy and it is not going away anytime soon.
“I started out shearing back in 2010 because I realised we had a skill shortage and that if I could show good work ethic I would be presented plenty of work throughout the year.”
And while Mr McGrath admits there are significant challenges for the industry to overcome, he is optimistic about the future.
“We are starting to see great representation in the industry now with capable, confident men and women of all ages having ambitions to purchase property, livestock or just wanting to set up a solid financial foundation,” he said.
“The industry continues to have a negative stigma in regards to drugs but I believe that drugs are just as prevalent in any office job, construction site or out on our roads.
“Some people may view the occupation as a short term career and one without a long term future.
“A career in the shearing sheds can lead to farmhand positions during cropping and harvest periods and shows your future employer that you are willing to work hard and as part of a team.”
He said if people were interested in pursuing shearing as a career, they needed to be proactive about it.
“If you are unsure about a career path or in between jobs or just curious about the game, make a call to your local contractor when you are ready. Show initiative,” he said.
“The best way to get involved and get an insight into the shearing world is to attend courses throughout the year held by nationally recognised professionals of the trade.
“I recommend net searching AWI training or www.wool.com as a great start. Hard work does pay off.”