Behind the Farm Gate, ahead of the times.
That could well have been the motto for up to 70 Year Hawke's Bay secondary school students who yesterday took part in the Hawke's Bay Behind the Farm Gate rural industries' Big Day Out in Patoka.
Designed to encourage more young Kiwis to consider a career in New Zealand's primary industries, it was a chance for urban students to see behind the scenes and discover the variety of roles that support a working dairy farm.
"One in six New Zealanders work in primary industries, but more youth are needed to meet our growing export demand," says Careers New Zealand acting chief executive Hugh Kettlewell.
He said the Industry Big Day Out allowed students and educators to connect with industry leaders and employers, and open their eyes to the variety of roles, pathways and opportunities available.
Event host and mechanic-turned-dairy-farmer Nick Dawson said: "We really want to showcase what a wonderful and vibrant industry dairy farming is, and show them the many rewarding employment opportunities it has to offer."
The Year 10 students, from six schools, were shown the lie of the land hands-on, and shown the huge variety, Mr Dawson said.
"You can be anything from a milk tanker driver to a vet, technician, banker or sales rep, or specialise in pest destruction. The options are endless."
Along with experiencing a milking demonstration and talks on feeding and agricultural machinery, students were shown the role that science and technology play in the industry, including a series of "fun, interactive modules". Among them were a demonstration on artificial breeding of dairy cattle, and the chance to check out a high-tech Fonterra milk tanker on-site.
Students had a chance to really make their mark, by planting a tree on site, thanks to Hawke's Bay Regional Council.
Industry professionals from Fonterra, BEL Group, Kitahi and Young Farmers supported and mentored students on the day with modules and activities, as well as sharing their own stories and insights into the industry.
Fonterra Hawke's Bay regional manager Tony Haslett said the global scale of dairy, along with its growth and diversity, offers the opportunity to develop an "exciting and dynamic career".
The Hawke's Bay event is the third focusing on primary industries to be held nationally in the past year.