19 January 2011

Applications for Farming to Succeed are now open

If there’s one thing Waikato dairy farmer, Stephen Taylor, would recommend for aspiring farmers, it’s to attend Agriculture ITO’s Farming to Succeed programme sponsored by FIL New Zealand.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” he says.

Agriculture ITO, in conjunction with leading dairy hygiene and animal health supplier FIL, is offering their trainees the opportunity to attend a free career development programme, Farming to Succeed. Applications for this programme are now open.

Farming to Succeed runs once yearly over five days, during which participants go through a structured series of workshops, farm visits and discussion groups.

Participants work with course facilitator Grant Taylor and other leading agribusiness practitioners to explore the key ingredients required for the achievement of personal and business success. Only 25 people are accepted to each course.

Topics covered include career development, staged capital growth and asset management, goal setting and motivation, successful business partnerships, financial development, time management and managing stress.

Stephen is the Operations Manager for Bucklin Farms, just outside of Hamilton, where he’s currently milking 1200 cows.

“I wanted to expose myself to new ideas and see what can be achieved in the dairy industry,” he says. “Grant really opened my eyes to my full potential and helped me realise farm ownership is a real option for me. We discussed ideas, how to get ahead and how to achieve goals.”

FIL general manager Warwick Dowse is excited by the prospect of sponsoring the programme again this year as part of the company’s commitment to supporting the local farming industry.

“The future of the agricultural industry lies with people who can lead, who are motivated and focused and Farming to Succeed helps to develop those who have that potential,” says Warwick.

There are no course fees for Farming to Succeed, which Stephen saw as a real advantage. Agriculture ITO and sponsors FIL are able to cover all course costs including accommodation and meals, though successful applicants need to provide their own transport to and from the course.

“I felt very privileged about that fact that it was arranged,” Stephen says. “I’d definitely recommend the course.”

The course also caters for those who have made a mid career transition into farming, Grant Taylor says. “If you’ve got the right attitude it’s never too late to explore possibilities of farm management and ownership.”

“The programme is extremely well received by attendees,” he continues. “Several have said they are unable to place a value on attending because it was the most life changing event of their lives.”

Agriculture ITO’s chief executive, Kevin Bryant, agrees. “Fostering the development of future leaders in agriculture is an important part of our role,” he says.

“A practical and intensive course like Farming to Succeed opens the eyes of attendees to the possibilities of their career and starts them thinking about building sustainable, profitable businesses of their own.”

Farming to Succeed applications are open to eligible Agriculture ITO trainees from any farming sector. The North Island course will be held on 28 March – 1 April, applications close on 18 February. To apply trainees must currently be enrolled in Level 3 or above training with Agriculture ITO. Application forms and full terms and conditions are available on www.farmingtosucceed.conz or by contacting Agriculture ITO on 0800 691 111.

ENDS

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