Farm students get career boost

Nine young locals received a helping hand to start their farming careers in the form of a $2000 scholarship each from the Taranaki-based Alexander and Gladys Shepherd Scholarships Trust, managed and administered by Perpetual Guardian and supported by Federated Farmers Taranaki.

The charitable trust was established in 1989 by Alexander and Gladys Shepherd, who were farmers on Mangawhero Road for 40 years.

In accordance with the Shepherds' will the trust's income is directed to fund scholarships and bursaries for locals aged under 21 to study towards an agricultural or farming career.

Federated Farmers executive member Bryce Kaiser says, "in farming, the traditional apprenticeship route has been bolstered by trusts such as the Alexander and Gladys Shepherd Scholarships Trust, and there isn't another quite like it in the country or the Taranaki region in that it focuses purely on farming".

"It's an honour to be part of bestowing the Shepherds' legacy and to help foster successful farmers."

Jade Tyrrell, client assistant at Perpetual Guardian New Plymouth, says, "it is a privilege to share this wonderful legacy with young, up-and-coming New Zealand farmers, who will make a valuable contribution to an essential New Zealand sector".

Agriculture and farming, as the backbone of New Zealand's economy, is reliant on highly skilled young Kiwis entering the trade to keep the industry buoyant and world-leading says Bryce.

"In recent years we've observed a fuller breadth of skills among school-leavers that can be applied in the various career options in the agriculture and farming sector."