With fewer young people growing up on farms, the need for farmers willing to pass on skills and experience has never been greater. Sheep, beef and deer farmers across the Top of the South are being encouraged to help shape the next generation of work-ready farm workers. Growing Future Farmers connects young people with practical on-farm experience and industry mentors, with a strong focus on building skills and confidence. The two-year apprentice programme provides a clear pathway into sheep, beef and deer farming, but its biggest limiting factor is not student interest. It is the number of farmers able to take students on.
Growing Future Farmers student success advisor for the Upper South Island, Fiona Bush, says interest from young people remains high. “There are many fabulous young people wanting to be involved in these industries, but we are really limited by the number of farmers able to take them on.” Fiona describes the programme like an apprenticeship where learning happens on farm. The aim is for students to finish work-ready, confident and with two trained dogs. “We are looking for farmers with a view of giving back to young people and growing the future. A lot of students don’t come from farms, so this is the pathway in, for them.” A mutual interview process helps ensure the right fit, with farmers interviewing up to three students, and students also visiting and interviewing with up to three farms. On-farm interviews take place in September. Fiona says the programme has been hugely successful, adding that what farmers have done for these young people and the industry is “gold”.
Former student Tyla Shanks, who recently completed two years at Bluff Station, a high-country sheep and beef station in Marlborough, says the programme exceeded her expectations. “It was awesome. I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to get into farming or even just thinking about giving it a go.” Tyla says one of the biggest highlights was the wide range of opportunities the programme provided. “If you decide along the way that maybe shepherding isn’t your forte, you get to visit other industries and businesses, vets, seed and fertiliser companies, and learn about other roles and options within the industry.”
Although she didn’t grow up on a farm, regular visits to her grandparents’ sheep and beef property in the Catlins sparked her love for farming. “I grew up helping out during school holidays. I loved it and fell in love with farming.” She still visits when she can. Tyla says she instantly liked Bluff Station when she arrived for her placement interview. “I drove out there and fell in love with it. It’s high country and very different from my grandparents’ rolling flat country.”
Reflecting on her two years there, she says leaving was bittersweet. “It was sad to leave, the crew was awesome and the scenery while mustering and moving stock was unbelievable, but it was time to move on. I’ve gained a really solid platform from being there.”
Tyla has now begun a five-month shepherding role in Greta Valley, North Canterbury, where she is learning more intensive farming systems. She credits Bluff Station owner Hamish Murray for giving her the opportunity when placements were limited in the region. “Hopefully more farmers decide they want to be one of those people who train and support young people in the industry. Young people are the face of the future.”
For more information contact Fiona Bush on 027 226 1951 or visit the Growing Future Farmers website, which includes a farmer Q&A for those considering getting involved.
