Young Farmers college club supported

Te Awamutu College Young Farmers chairwoman Mikayla McCleenan receives a $1000 cheque from New Zealand National Fieldays Society CEO Peter Nation

Te Awamutu College's new student led initiative to provide opportunities to students interested in a career in agriculture has received a $1000 boost from New Zealand National Fieldays Society.

The Young Farmers Club is part of the nationwide Teen Ag organisation, promoting and rewarding careers available in the agricultural industry to help address the shortage of agricultural and horticultural graduates.

With export targets set to double by 2025 it's now more important than ever to get new people into the industry.

New Zealand National Fieldays Society CEO Peter Nation says the society is committed to the advancement of agriculture and supporting initiatives like this are just one way it contributes.

"The industry is in a much healthier space than recent years and seeing these students displaying such drive and foresight is really promising. As a charitable organisation we constantly look for opportunities to support the advancement and the future of the agricultural industry," says Nation.

What may be surprising is that many of Te Awamutu College Young Farmers' members do not come from farming backgrounds but have a keen interest in pursuing careers in agriculture, a telling sign for the future of the industry.

Meeting every Thursday, the students are able to gain exposure to a diverse range of agricultural activities that build on the idea of life on the farm, bringing together all aspects of the agricultural industry.

So far the students have listened to seminars from agricultural scientists and tried their hand making mozzarella, guided by a food technologist from Fonterra.

Earlier this year the Fieldays Careers & Education Hub brought together a vast range of career options in a dedicated space, showcasing everything from pasture to plate.

James Saunders, who teaches Agricultural and Horticultural Science at Te Awamutu College says their Young Farmers club will really benefit from the Society donation.

"We've developed an event coordinator role within the club and the students are planning field trips to local horse studs, AgResearch and Tip Top Ice Cream in Auckland" says Prout.

The establishment of Te Awamutu College Young Farmers is part of the school's commitment to providing students with as many opportunities as possible, and are currently redeveloping their Agricultural and Horticultural Department, developing courses and initiatives to reflect the changing needs of the students, community and industry.