Applications open today for Growing Future Farmers, with Board Chair Shane McManaway encouraging school leavers and their families to get in touch.

“I would encourage anybody, if they’ve got young ones themselves leaving college thinking about what they might go and do, or if they know somebody who’s really, really keen to get into farming, to make sure they’re aware of it,” he says.

“It can be life-changing for most people.”

The programme matches school leavers up to age 20 with farm trainers, giving them hands-on learning toward NZQA levels two, three, and four. A dairy pilot is also underway, broadening the programme beyond its sheep and beef base, he says.

“Growing Future Farmers is about getting capable young people onto farms, giving them the skills, the discipline and confidence to build a career in agriculture.

“It’s a really neat programme because the trainers are farmers – it gives them an opportunity for grassroots learning on farm, not sitting in a classroom all day, every day.”

The programme was founded by Tam and Dan Jex-Blake in 2017, with around 160 students now coming through a year.

“The level of professionalism that I’m seeing in and around the placement, and how they connect young students with the right farmers is quite incredible.”

A growing number of applicants are coming from cities, McManaway says. He spoke with some at a Wairarapa information evening last week, and says that despite being from the city, their love for animals and for being in the outdoors stood out.

“They can see that there is a real opportunity in this in other aspects, not only on farm, but off farm.”

To see more or apply, go to the Growing Future Farmers website – growingfuturefarmers.co.nz

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