Information for Teachers and Careers Advisors

The recent trend to larger farms and larger herds and flocks means there is now more employment and career options for young people who want to become involved in the ag industry.

There is also a number of off-farm careers in agriculture that offer young Kiwis the opportunity to work with farmers to help them grow a profitable business (eg. rural banker, farm consultant, scientist, vet).

Increasingly, farmers recognise the need for skilled people who want to learn the business. As a result, the pay and conditions are competitive, meaning the ag industry is a very viable career opportunity for young people today.

Career progression

Career progression in the ag industry helps people develop their knowledge and skills to gain increasing responsibility. Career progression is very achievable in the agriculture industry, especially for those working on-farm.

In some cases this will require people to shift farms, although many large operations now allow career progression within the same business. Many people want to own their own farm and this can be achieved through equity partnerships, which are partial ownership of land and stock from existing owner or corporate investors.

Another option is the gradual acquisition of small blocks, building land ownership progressively to a more sustainable holding. As new young farmers gain experience and knowledge, opportunities are more likely to arise for equity partnerships where you can own part or all of a dairy herd or land.

Sharemilking is also a common pathway that provides opportunities to participate in the returns of one or more farms.

With some experience in the industry young Kiwis will get a clearer understanding of the opportunities it offers and plan their progression accordingly.