Yet, having started in the industry at just 16, he was determined to learn how to produce the finest organic olive oils.
Coming from a dairying background, Ben loved the land and was excited to learn something new and embrace every aspect of growing and producing a quality product.
Over the past few years, some of the Cockatoo Grove oils have been judged among the finest in the world.
On several occasions, they have come out on top against countries such as Italy and Spain, that have been producing olive oils for more than a century.
Cockatoo Grove was established by Ken and Joan Dugan at the Cobram Estate in 1996 by planting 20,000 trees of European origin.
Situated in an ideal location, adjacent to the Murray River, in deep red river soil, conditions were ideal with cool, sunny winters and long, hot summers.
It was to ultimately prove to be ideal for producing quality oils.
Today, the olive grove produces three different varieties — Arbequina, Koroneiki and Arbosana.
A second, and larger farm, has been purchased nearby, covering 121 hectares with 120,000 trees planted, which will be followed with another 40,000.
This brings it to a total of 180,000 trees, plus the original 109ha, which will take production to a different level.
However, at $5 per tree, it is quite an outlay, and takes some time before the first crop is ready to pick.
In 2010, the family decided to sell the Cobram Estate brand, deciding instead to produce quality organic oils under a new name.
While today many locals assume Cobram Estate products are made in Cobram, this is, in fact, not the case.
The Cobram Estate brand was purchased by Boundary Bend, which is situated near Swan Hill, and has become a large producer.
However, it is the quality of Cockatoo Grove products that ensures its success and popularity.
Ben said growing in Cobram loam is perfect, and Rich Glen and Cockatoo are the two largest local growers, but there are a lot of smaller ones, particularly around Bearii.
“The overheads aren’t high, and production costs are quite low.” Ben said.
“It makes it quite viable.
“Go Farms are buying up a number of farms locally to increase their almond production.
“Australia is currently the largest producer of almonds in the world, with India their largest customer.
“The company is also buying into the olive industry here.”
Cockatoo Grove employs Ben, his wife Jodi, and two skilled workers on the farm and in the factory, with two casuals coming in one day a week.
During full production, there are contractors who undertake picking and shaking of the fruit, and during the off season, focus on the elimination of weeds.
“We are very proud of our products,” Ben said.
“Our wins internationally prove it.
“Importantly, we ensure that as soon as the olives are picked that they are processed quickly.
“It’s crucial to prevent spoilage and maintain the quality of the oil.
“Ideally, where possible, we would like to pick in the morning and press them in the afternoon to ensure they are fresh and ready for processing.
“If not possible, it is always the following day at the very latest.”
After starting as a teenager, Ben has undisputedly grown with the industry.
Not a day has gone by when he hasn’t learnt something new about a career that he loves and is connected to.
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