Introducing our second University of New England Young Farming Champion for 2019.

Meet Forbes Corby

 This is Forbes’ story ……..

One of the greatest things about the agricultural industry is its broad scale of diverse opportunities. As a 21-year-old completing a fourth year of study in a Bachelor of Agriculture/ Bachelor of Business (Major: International Business) at the University of New England (UNE) my agricultural journey began a long time ago. Living and working on my small family sheep property in rural NSW saw me eager to learn more about the industry.

I studied agriculture and primary industries at school and thoroughly enjoyed it; in part because of the very enthusiastic and visionary teacher I had to guide me. During high school I gained experience working with agricultural traders such as CRT and Ray White where I learnt how to auctioneer. I completed high school and knew that I loved agriculture and business so decided to undertake my undergraduate degree in the two disciplines. At this time, I had little understanding of what more opportunities existed in the industry apart from being a farmer or working in the local Landmark store as a merchant or agronomist.

Forbes has enjoyed participating in shows and is pictured here at the NSW State Sheep Junior Judging at Sydney Royal Easter Show. 

Since being at university I have developed an extensive network through extracurricular activities and social interaction. Whilst studying at UNE I have lived at Robb college and been on their Rural Focus executive committee as the marketing coordinator and I was a residential tutor there in 2018. In 2018 I was also one of the careers fair coordinators for UNE Farming Futures and in 2019 I am Chairperson of the executive team. Additionally, whilst being at UNE I have travelled twice internationally with my degree, to China and Argentina. Separate from my degree, in January 2019 I undertook an internship with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission in Myanmar, working on identifying high potential growth areas for business cooperation between Myanmar and Australian companies in the Agri-Food industry.

There are many scholarships to support young people from rural and regional Australia to attend tertiary education. Forbes was one of the recipients of the RAS of NSW Foundation Scholarships in 2016 

I have begun to understand the broadness of the agricultural industry and particularly I have found a realization for the importance of international trade and the role it plays in the economy. I looking forward to initiating a career creating trade links in Asian markets which will generate new revenue streams for Australian primary producers.