"I was able to build on what I had learnt at Smedley and develop a better understanding of farm management looking at budgets and figures and putting them into real life situations on stations down south."
He summed up his experience at the Central Hawke's Bay farming institute as a brilliant two years.
"The comradeship and lifelong friendships as well as the hard work and learning made for a great experience. We learnt a range of skills that not every farm offers including working with deer and velvetting, breaking in horses, and felling trees, just to name a few."
Mr Galloway is heading off to England this year to shear sheep before moving in to the farming business in years to come.
Porangahau local Philip Cutbush was also pleased with the achievement and now has the confidence to apply for jobs knowing he has developed the skills required.
He said the opportunity to work on a large station dealing with stock on a large scale gave him the practical grounding which he could then expand on theoretically at Lincoln University through his Diploma in Agriculture.
"Once I have finished travelling the world shearing sheep I hope to go on and purchase some land of my own," he said.
"The combination of Smedley and Lincoln means I can hopefully get more experienced jobs in the agricultural industry."
Smedley Station manager Rob Evans was pleased to see the number of cadets progressing and setting up for the future.
He said it was very rewarding for the staff to witness the boys going out and succeeding beyond what was taught in their years at the farming establishment.
"We give them a strong practical base and grounding but it is great to see them take farming to the next level."
Mr Evans said the station prides itself on its experienced staff, practical and theoretical training and their development of strong work ethics.
The station works in with EIT and has an experienced training manager who gives the boys an understanding of what they can expect at university.
Specialist tutors and industry leaders come throughout the year to deliver training, workshops and lectures, which ensure cadets are up to date with the latest farming techniques and industry developments.
Smedley Station accepts 11 cadets every year to its unique farming training experience and the open day for 2017 is on Saturday, June 10, and Sunday, June 11.
For more information visit: smedley.ac.nz.
