In another life, Justin Jarrett might be running 1000 sheep on a property west of Bourke. Instead he has a resume that includes champion goose sexer, industry advocate, project manager and organic pioneer.

Speaking at the NSW Farm Writers' Agribuzz event at Orange, he told the story of studying at Hawkesbury Agricultural College, where his dreams met the harsh reality of the farm budget.

"I got up in front of the class and said, 'I'm gonna run 10,000 wethers in Bourke ... I have done my all certificate, I can shear, I can crutch, I can class sheep'," he said.

"They said, 'great, can you just do a budget and come back next week?'"

"I came back and they said, 'how'd you go?' I said, 'really, really good. I will never have 10,000 sheep in Bourke'."

After being deterred by the $1.2 mill

See Full Page