Friends supporting each other through the veg growing journey

Western Australian leafy vegetable growers Neco Vo and Simon Vu have been picking each other's brains in order to improve their own growing enterprises, with beneficial results.

Mr Vo works Thinh Van Pty Ltd at Carabooda, growing Asian vegetables and spring onions.

Mr Vu works for KM Vegetables, Neerabup, producing Asian vegetables, lettuce varieties and herbs.

Mr Vo grew up in Carnarvon and said he has been in the industry ever since he can remember, eventually moving to Perth to pursue a higher education.

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"However, as fate has it the vegetable industry has pulled me back to my childhood roots," he said.

While his role changes on a daily basis to suit the flow of the business, he's mainly in charge of cultivating such as tractor work, seeding and ploughing.

"My work does require me to be flexible and work around conditions outside my control, such as the weather, humidity and rain - which affects many areas of production," Mr Vo said.

"My biggest challenge would be finding new and progressive ways of running the business that reflects the current market better.

"With new technology and research, it can be hard to not only keep up - but implement it in a business that was founded 20 years ago."

FOR Mr Vu, farming has been part of his life since he was about eight, coming up to the farm during weekends, school holidays and working weekends outside of my office job.

"About two years ago, I resigned from my role to commit to being full-time on the farm," he said.

With a friendship that extends beyond the paddock, supporting each other during a time of transition has been important for both men.

"It is important to have a supportive network. I have friends who are understanding of my situation and supportive of my goals," Mr Vo said.

"Regardless of being time-poor and heavily involved in the business, I've learnt that maintaining friendships, family time and creating a work-life balance is just as important."

Mr Vu said their role and line of work can be demanding in many aspects.

"Some days we just have to accept that we can't do everything by ourselves," he said.

"The beauty of having a friend who shares the same responsibilities as me is that we can support one another during difficult situations.

"An example is, as we grow similar lines, we can supply stock to the other when needed and vice versa.

"Both sides have an ever-expanding network of contacts, and we are also able to share or refer one another to a group that could assist with a specific situation.

"General things like tips, advice information and/or personal experiences all come a long way helping both parties grow as individuals."

WHEN it comes to getting on-farm practice advice and information, Mr Vo's go-to fountain of knowledge is his father.

"The information is not written down anywhere, but all in his head. He has a wealth of knowledge. I always have a pen and notebook ready when spending time with him," he said.

It is a similar situation for Mr Vu with his initial practice for all field work activities provided by his dad.

"He has been in the industry for about 20 years, so he has plenty of experience under his belt," Mr Vu said.

"Although a little old-fashioned and stern, he has supported me in many ways and given me many opportunities to grow.

"Most information and advice I seek is provided by external parties - agronomist, machinery specialist, Neco etcetera."

With plenty of old-school knowledge at their fingertips, the pair isn't afraid to break new ground either.

Mr Vo said as research and innovation continues in the chemistry department, he is always trying new programs to better the yield and safety of crops, testing soil compositions for environmental impact and providing feedback to the companies to better their products.

THERE is an element of enjoyment to their work as well.

"You reap what you sow," he said.

"Taking that quote literally describes the enjoyment I feel about working in the vegetable industry. All my efforts - as well as everyone else's hard work - is rewarded at the end of each harvest."

Mr Vu said from being heavily involved with colleagues, clients, buyers, agents and suppliers, to conducting individual field work throughout the day, he finds farming a great mixed setting for is social introverted personality.

"Being in control of my own work means I can excel at my own pace, but I am also accountable for my actions," he said.

"Maintaining enthusiasm is difficult. There are days where so many things go wrong and a lot of the time, they are caused by factors outside of our control.

"Personally, I find motivation in accomplishments and small wins. The knowledge gained after facing challenges can often be extremely rewarding."

Both Mr Vo and Mr Vu agreed on the abundant opportunities waiting for younger people in the horticulture industry.

"Having more opportunities and programs out there informing people that the vegetable industry needs more young minds. There are many areas in the industry that have yet to be re-engineered," Mr Vo said.

Mr Vu said he believed there were curricular activities and events out there for young minds to participate in that helps to introduce them to the vegetable industry.

"My school did not offer these but if horticultural and agricultural studies were made more available to students in high schools, I would like to think that it could create opportunities for many individuals to engage in higher studies," he said.

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