From Paddock to Pro: 16 New Recruits Kick Off Hay Inc’s 12th Rural Education Program

In Short

• National Interest, Local Impact: 16 participants from four states have begun the 12th Hay Inc program, including four locals from the Hay district.
• Hands-on Skills: The cohort is currently undergoing intensive training in livestock handling, WHS, and vehicle safety at regional stations like Wyvern and Croidon.
• Growing Network: Upon June graduation, this group will join an elite alumni network of 160 rural professionals supported by major industry bodies like Australian Wool Innovation.

The next generation of agricultural professionals has converged on the Riverina as Hay Inc officially commenced its 12th Rural Education Program this week.

The 2026 intake consists of 16 participants selected from a competitive national pool, including applicants from NSW, Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria.

According to Hay Inc, the program aims to address the practical skills gap in the pastoral industry, with this year’s cohort scheduled to graduate in June.

Regional Impact and Enrolment

The 2026 program maintains a significant focus on the local government areas of Hay, Balranald, Carrathool, and Central Darling.

Of the 16 students enrolled, four are residents of the Hay district, while seven are currently employed by agricultural enterprises within the immediate region. Upon completion of the course, these students will join a 160-strong alumni network of rural professionals.

Organisers state that the presence of students and trainers provides a direct economic contribution to the Hay shire through increased demand for local accommodation, catering, and retail services.

Above: Hay Inc’s latest group cohort (from left) Petria Mendrina, Sophie Lorrai-Cody, Andrew Lucas from Tocal College, Grace McKay, Ilka Gordon, Hay Inc Program Manager Sandra Ireson, Paddy Ryan, Hay Inc volunteer Rob Gibson, Luke Nevinson, Sienna Lund, Olli Curll, Charlie Palmer, Henry Francis, Ben Clark, Lexie Young, Jacinta Billings Martin, Olivia Ferguson, Lacey Murnane and Kelsa Horne. Image: Hay Inc.

Technical Training Underway

Practical instruction has already commenced across several regional properties. Initial modules included:

• Livestock Handling: Sheep and cattle sessions conducted at Wyvern Station, Carrathool, led by volunteers Chris Bowman, Glen Walker, and Jack Kimpton.
• Workplace Health and Safety: Accredited OnFarm WHS training held at Croidon, Hay, delivered by Andrew Lucas of Tocal College and volunteer Rob Gibson.
• Vehicle Operation: Two-wheel and four-wheel motorbike safety and handling units.
• Emergency Response: Rural First Aid certification delivered by the Red Cross.

The curriculum also incorporated wellbeing seminars, including "Strength from the Land for the Mind" with Jacqui Crawford and "Flexible Farmers" with Michelle Spence.

Industry Support

The program continues to operate through a combination of volunteer input and corporate sponsorship. Hay Inc acknowledged the following entities for their financial and material support of the 2026 cohort:

Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), Bendigo Bank, TA Field Profield Trust, Rabobank Client Council, Pottinger and Hewitt Ag and The Lugsdin family (provision of local gift cards).

About Hay Inc

Hay Inc is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing hands-on agricultural training to young people. The program is designed to sustain the agricultural workforce by preparing participants for long-term careers in the pastoral sector.

For further information regarding the 2026 program, enquiries can be directed to Program Manager Sandra Ireson - Email: [email protected] or phone: 0439 938119.