Growing Future Farmers graduate Alex West traded a dairy upbringing for a shepherd’s life in the King Country, and says the two-year programme set him up to succeed.

“The support network around the whole team of us is second to none. You’re absolutely set up to succeed,” he says.

“I was placed with Joe and Alan Johnstone — they’re like my mentors now. I just ring them up for any advice no matter what.”

CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch/listen or download the CountryWide CONNECT mobile app, available on Apple iOS and Android.