Name: Stephen Tamplin
Age: 72
Location: Canowindra, NSW
Course(s) Studied: Diploma of Agribusiness Management
I’m Stephen Tamplin and at age 72, I live on my property near Canowindra NSW with my wife.
I have been involved with agriculture all my life, securing my first property leasehold when only 18, in Tasmania. Since then, I have had a varied career, including a stint in outback NSW, while always maintaining active farming interests. As well as running a sheep and cattle operation I have also built and operated a micro-abattoir on my farm fully licenced for all species by NSW DPI since 2013, being a qualified and accredited Meat Inspector.
I have always enjoyed learning and embarked on the Diploma of Agribusiness Management in 2023. Due to a missed cancer diagnosis I was eventually unable to continue my work and studies until eventually correctly diagnosed and placed on supportive treatment. My health issues meant I had to close the abattoir, however I was able to continue focusing on the farm and completing my studies.
There were some difficult units in the course, however it was a welcome distraction to other things in my life. My advice to everyone is to maintain metal health by study whether career related or just for fun – it takes your mind off yourself and provides a disciplined focus point to life.
Definitely a course to be recommended. The units were well-structured and extremely practical. I have developed methodical financial and enterprise budgets, formulated a succession plan and thoroughly enjoyed gaining an insight into what other farmers are doing by engaging in the bi-monthly AgForum online discussions.