Known as the ‘grass doctor’, Katherine said farmers were increasingly listening more and more to agronomists.
“With the increase in costs in fertiliser they really want the most out of their pasture and so they do listen,” she said.
“They make the changes based on what you inform them can be done to improve the soil. Farmers are responding better and better.”
Katherine studied agronomy at La Trobe University in Melbourne and has developed her skills to incorporate expertise in local soil and individual farm needs.
“We have a lot of acidity and really low phosphorus around Wangaratta,” she said.
“And each farmer’s property varies depending on their history of how much hay they cut or whether they produce dairy or beef.”
Katherine spent both days of the Shepparton Show in October leading cows for Riversleigh Illawarra Stud in Tatura.
Stud owner Michael Tuhan said Katherine’s grandparents once had a farm across the road from his, and after they retired she went to university.
“She has continued her love of cows but this is the first time she’s been in our crew for a while,” Michael said.
“That love is pretty strong and that’s what makes her good — she has animal sense.
“For example, I had to milk on Friday night and couldn’t help set up for the show but she had it all covered.
“I would have been stuck without her.”
Michael is a qualified ruminant nutritionist and worked for 15 years as a stockfeed specialist.
He said there were a few opportunities to discuss the scientific side of Katherine’s vocation among the heavy workload behind the show ring.
“I enjoy that side of it, I’m big on the science behind it all,” he said.
“And soil nutrition and ruminant nutrition are all interlinked. It’s all connected.”
Katherine led one of Mr Tuhan’s Illawarra cows to win Intermediate Champion at the Shepparton Show.
She said she could align her profession with her success in the ring.
“I want to make the grass better to let the cow get bigger, so they are hand-in-hand in some ways, but they are also separate.”
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