RYAN O'Neil had a limited knowledge of agriculture before he was offered a hands-on internship with Muresk Institute.
While he completed years 11 and 12 at Harvey Agricultural College, it wasn't until his family moved to Northam that he found work at a local agricultural-based business that he developed a keen interest in the industry.
Ryan is currently enjoying working at Muresk Institute as he completes a certificate III in agriculture.
"I'm learning a lot about the industry the more I learn, the more interesting it becomes," Ryan said.
"I plan eventually to enrol in the Diploma of Agriculture (academic program in agricultural technologies) and my long-term goal is to run my own farm or work as a contractor within the industry."
Ryan's role is hands-on as he learns all aspects of farming, from drenching and vaccinating sheep to repairing fences. One of his latest tasks was helping out with the annual grain harvest.
Muresk harvested more than 150 hectares of wheat, canola and lupins last year, yielding 3.2 tonnes per hectare for wheat, 1.7 tonnes per hectare for canola and 2.3 tonnes per hectare for lupins.
Muresk farm manager Peter Ledger said the team finished harvesting by November 15, which was the earliest date he had experienced.
"I think the early finish is linked to the very good and early rainfall break of season," Mr Ledger said.
"We had good rainfall but its timing and frost events affected yield this year."
Most of the grain from Muresk will be warehoused at the Avon CBH storage facility before it is sold throughout the next 12 months.
Mr Ledger said next year's crop plan included 130ha of wheat, 72ha of lupins and 60ha of canola.
