We recently announced our new partnership with the University of New England that will see 5 UNE students participate in the Young Farming Champions program.
This week we will be introducing you to the UNE 2019 Young Farming Champions
Its give us great pleasure to share Ruby Canning’ story………….
My name is Ruby Canning, I am 20 years old. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Business at the University of New England.
My family has been producing beef seedstock for for six generations, originating in Alberta Canada. 
We farm near Geelong in Victoria. My brother and I co own Mavstar Simmentals, and with my parents operate Maverick Simmentals.
I have grown up showing my own cattle with my family, and have competed in beef junior judging and paraders competitions since I was eight years old. I was very proud to win the National Champion Beef Cattle Parader in 2016. I am also now a recognised cattle judge.
Growing up on a beef and cropping property life and death was something I grew up understanding but I didn’t understand what true loss was until I lost my grandfather to cancer in 2012. My Pa and I were always very close. I grew up alongside him on the farm, and the cattle shows we attended as a family. He was, and continues to be a big part of our lives. When he became ill I realised life is precious, and little moments should be captured as a memory. From this moment on I began to capture little moments which we often just saw as everyday life with my family on the land, and my brother growing up through my camera. 
From here I established my own photography business – Mavstar Photography. I specialise in rural and livestock photography. Pa left a legacy and that is our source of strength, and his impact on my life will always remain.
In my final year of high school, I was a school Prefect at Ballarat Grammar, I graduated with an ATAR that reflected the effort I had put into my schooling, as well as my passion for education. I was awarded two scholarships to Lincoln University in New Zealand, a Future Leader Scholarship and the Simon Gubbins Scholarship . Attending Lincoln University had a lasting impact on my life, and I met some truly amazing people and had some wonderful experiences.
Later in 2017 when I was back in Australia working, I was involved in a serious car accident. My injuries included severe nerve damage to my left side of my body, which I have mostly recovered from, and a fractured spine. 12 weeks of intensive care was the most emotionally and physically draining experience I have ever encountered. I spent months in a restrictive back brace, and day by day I gained the strength to walk properly again.
The car accident impacted my life dramatically, both physically and psychologically and in 2018, I sought EMDR trauma therapy, The treatment completely changed the way I viewed mental health. I realised there is so many options for help and support to get through some of the hardest times in life. My mum was my primary carer, and I will forever be appreciative for her contribution to my recovery.
I am where I am today within the field of agriculture because of the amount of support within the sector, the countless opportunities, as well as being able to find happiness in an industry that is so close to my heart. I am beyond grateful to be part an industry that feeds the globe, and I aim to follow in the footsteps of my family to produce top quality beef year after year. Most importantly, I hope others can find happiness and good health after events in their life which have impacted their pathway. I encourage individuals to find their passion, and to speak out in times of need because mental health is nothing to ashamed about, it is something that needs to be talked about so we can all support each other.
You can read more about Ruby in The Stock and Land here
#YouthinAg #YouthVoices19 #StrongerTogether