HELPING mum in the veggie patch has pointed one teenager towards his preferred career.
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Lleyton Cave, 15, Emerald, is on his way to a career in agriculture, largely helped by Cordoma Farms near Emerald.
The 325 hectare operation has 140ha of table grapes in production, and 120ha of citrus with mandarins and lemons.
When Lleyton approached brothers Joe and Ross Cordoma for work experience, he had no idea it would turn into a weekend job and a school-based traineeship.
The Year 11 student from Emerald State High School started his Certificate III in Production Horticulture at Cordoma Farms a fortnight ago, after working at the farm for about a year.
He said living nearby on a 20 hectare hobby farm had given him a passion for agriculture.
“I’ve always liked growing vegetables and stuff, and helping mum out with the vegetable patch,” he said.
“Last year at school we went on an excursion to the macadamia farm and I was really interested in that.
“I tried to ask there for work experience but they weren’t too interested, so I gave Joe a call and came here.”
Despite the certificate course workload, Lleyton said he is sticking with OP subjects, with hopes to continue on to study at university.
“I was thinking about agronomy - I’ve done work experience with an agronomist as well, which was really interesting,” he said.
Kelly Butterworth
Rockhampton-based journalist covering all things ag.
Rockhampton-based journalist covering all things ag.
