With a buoyant agricultural economy and a larger base of Māori agricultural assets, it is an exciting time for young Māori considering a career in farming.
“With a skill shortage in farming and with a number of scholarships and training options available to Māori, this is a great time to secure a career”, says Aaron Hunt, Rural Adviser at Te Tumu Paeroa.
“Having more Māori with the skills and expertise to farm their lands will enable Māori to be full participants in mobilising their assets.”
There are opportunities for strong earning for people in farming. A study in 2013 from Federated Farmers/Rabobank, showed that the average remuneration for a farm worker is $5,500 more than the New Zealand average annual wage and salary.
Farm workers earned an average salary of $46,246, and is $49,159 when the value of non-wage benefits, like accommodation are taken into account.
Along with scholarships, there are lots of tools and advice for young people considering a career in agriculture. One example is a new website www.landyourdreamjob.co.nz to help people see the types of jobs that are available in farming.
“It’s important for young people to know their options. That’s why we set up the ‘Land your dream job’ website – which has lots of resources and information about farming at all levels” says Jackie Harrigan, Editor of Young Country Magazine.
“It is a good starting point for young people looking at agriculture as a career option. Farming is a great profession to get into, as it is a constantly growing industry, with opportunities on farm and also right across the value chain selling, marketing, servicing and advising farmers”
It is possible for young people to get ahead quite quickly in farming.
2014 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Dairy Farmer of the Year finalist, James Matheson, had no family background or knowledge of farming. However, there is no denying his passion for the industry now.
At only 21 years old, James is working as Herd Manager at Tarrington Ltd in Waipahi. In just two years James has gained a National Certificates in farm Milk Quality, Managing Dairy Farm Effluent and Animal Feeding and Pastures, studying through the Primary ITO.
“I’m the only one in my family that’s in farming,” he says. “It didn’t take me long to fall in love with it though and now I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
If you have any rangatahi interested in a career in farming here are some useful resources about on-site farm training, scholarships and career options:
A resource just launched to assist people looking into land career options: www.landyourdreamjob.co.nz
DairyNZ Scholarships - a range of scholarships for those studying at Massey and Lincoln
Land Based Training Schools:
Otiwhiti Station LBT Agriculture School Awhiwhenua Farm School
Tairawhiti farm cadet programme, Gisborne
Te Pouakani Farm Cadet Programme
Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre have a wide range of scholorships available