General News
30 May, 2024
Young entrepreneur finding her balance
ANNAMEIKE Cozens is not sure if she wants to become a vet or drive a tractor – so she’s trying both.
Although only 18, Ms Couzens has already invested in a new tractor and started a contracting business while being half way through her veterinary nursing course with an eye on progressing to further study in veterinary science.
“I want to become a vet but I also want to drive tractors,” she said.
“I’d love to mix both. I’d like to split my time doing the things I enjoy.”
With the support of a DemoDAIRY Foundation school scholarship, Ms Couzens is enjoying her vet nursing course through the Gordon Institute in Geelong.
She is also working at the Warrnambool Vet Clinic, and a dairy farm at Purnim on the weekends.
“If I was to become a vet, it would be for large animals, which is what I love,” she said.
Ms Couzens has been the recipient of a $5000 scholarship from DemoDAIRY Foundation, which she said has been a big help with the purchase of books and a laptop.
She was raised on a small beef farm at Bushfield and the family also has small properties at Panmure and Terang.
Her father, John, is also a truck driver and helps on the beef properties on weekends, while her grandfather, John Snr, is also active in the business.
With support from her father and grandfather, Ms Couzens recently bought a 185 Puma tractor along with a twin rotor and front mower.
“It’s pretty cool to have my own tractor at 18. It has all the bells and whistles,” she said.
“It is a big investment but Mum and Dad are around to help if needed.
“We bought it a bit too late in the season but I’ve done a bit of hay and slashing with it.
“My friends think I’m a bit crazy, but people take risks and I’m confident it will pay off.”
DemoDAIRY Foundation supports the efforts of a range of people with an interest in dairying who are building towards a career that supports the industry.
Visit the DemoDAIRY Foundation website https://www.demodairy.com.au or contact DDF secretary Ian Teese on 0427 358987 or itag@bigpond.com for more information on DDF or the Powell Legacy Fund.