Career change pays dividends

An abundance of opportunities combined with an attractive lifestyle lured Harlee Tuohey to agriculture. This is her story.

An eye for quality lambs or a well-performing crop are just a couple of skills Bendigo’s Harlee Tuohey possesses.

But she turned a few heads when she added a Multi Combination (MC) class heavy licence to her list of qualifications.

For Harlee, gaining the MC licence was simply a matter of practicality. It means she can deliver a load of hay or grain or pick up supplies.

Harlee was a veterinary nurse for seven years in Bendigo before making the career change to farming two years ago, and it’s a decision she didn’t take lightly.

Harlee said working in agriculture provided enormous satisfaction and enabled her to upskill.

She said there were opportunities for personal development; she noticed an immediate change in her self-confidence. Despite the busy demands of agriculture, Harlee achieved a work-life balance, and she challenged herself by learning how to operate machinery and ultimately gaining an MC licence.

Harlee Tuohey pictured at Raywood with the Border Collie puppy named Maizy. Picture: Zoe Phillips

“I’ve learned how to fix fences, service motors, and weld,” she said.

Most of all, it is the camaraderie found in the agricultural community that gives her the most satisfaction.

“The community connections just don’t compare to any other industry,” she said.

“Every day, we are involved in active problem-solving or decision-making. There is enormous scope to grow your professional skills in agriculture,” she said.

Harlee works at Raywood, north of Bendigo, for Dusty Pascoe, and she helps with the livestock and cropping operation.

“I’m interested in having a future in agriculture and will consider agribusiness studies so I can pursue farm management roles, either as an employee or through self-owned operations,” she said.

Harlee said the next generation of employees in agriculture had the opportunity to enter into advocacy roles and were, overall, valuable assets to primary industries.

“I initially found an interest in farming after a visit to a family member’s farm,” she said.

Harlee said the community spirit found in rural communities was unmatched.

“No matter the challenge, be it a mechanical failure, a fire on a neighbour’s property, or questions about crops and livestock, the majority of farmers are quick to offer assistance or share their expertise,” she said.