One week left for entries to fast-track farming

One week left for entries to fast-track farming career

There’s just a week left for motivated South Island farmers to apply for a life-changing course.

Farming to Succeed will be held in Canterbury from April 19 to 23

A maximum of 25 people from the South Island will be chosen to attend the free, intensive five-day programme run by Agriculture Industry Training Organisation (Agriculture ITO) and sponsored by dairy hygiene and animal health supplier FIL New Zealand. . Entries close Monday 1 March.

Waikato farmer and business owner Grant Taylor has facilitated the programme for the past seven years. He has drawn together a network of highly motivated agribusiness people to provide lively presentations in a series of interesting and varied field trips.

“The programme has been extremely well received by all the previous attendees; several said they couldn’t put a value on it because it was the most life-changing event in their lives,” he said.

Topics covered include staged capital growth and asset management, successful business partnerships, career and financial development, building networks, and business and personal goal setting. Participants will also learn about some of the human factors that can affect the long-term viability of a farm, such as families, communities and networks.

Farming to Succeed is open to those studying at National Certificate level three or above.

A North Island course will be held in the Bay of Plenty March 15-19; applications for the North Island course have closed and there 62 applications for the 25 places available.

Agriculture ITO Marketing and Events coordinator Katie Abbott said entries were on track to reach that number for the South Island course.

“The funding secured from our generous sponsor FIL allowed us to boost numbers – previously we were limited to 12 participants per course.

“It’s a very inspiring programme that has affected many peoples lives and it’s fantastic that we have been able to extend the programme so more people can have the opportunity to experience it.”

The sponsorship means a one-day refresher course has been added for past participants, to be held April 12 in the North Island.

Agriculture ITO’s chief executive Kevin Bryant said FIL’s support meant Farming to Succeed was set to become a major feature among rural personal development programmes.

“Having such a practical and intensive course will open the eyes of those who attend to the possibilities of their career – and start them thinking about building sustainable, profitable businesses of their own.”

“If you’ve got the right attitude, it’s never too late,” Grant Taylor says of the course.

Forms and further details about Farming to Succeed are available at www.farmingtosucceed.co.nz and www.fil.co.nz or by phoning Agriculture ITO 0800 691 111.

ENDS