Sunday, 14 December 2014 00:00

Rethink sales pitch to youngsters

Written by 
Nathan Guy and Dean Bell at the launch. Nathan Guy and Dean Bell at the launch.

WAIKATO MILKING Systems chief executive Dean Bell says New Zealand must rethink how to ‘sell’ the sector to young people.

 “Agriculture today has many career options for young people, ... and dairy technology has been at the cusp of innovation and growth. But to maintain that momentum we need the brightest and best.  Investing in those young people is an investment in the future of this company, New Zealand agriculture and the economy.

“[About] 100 graduates enter New Zealand primary industries each year but we need ten times that if the sector… is to achieve its potential.”

Waikato Milking Systems is a partner in the St Paul’s College centre for excellence. It has hosted visits from senior St Paul’s faculty and current Year 13 students.

The school’s principal, Grant Lander, says much of the agribusiness curriculum development has been with agri organisations, universities and business. “Everyone is excited at what we have done so far and what we can still achieve…. we’re helping create something of national significance – innovative and ground breaking.” 

Lander says secondary schools lack a structured, national programme to encourage students to study agricultural science and business in preparation for their tertiary study.

More like this

Back to School

OPINION: This old mutt went to school to eat his lunch, but still knows the future of the country, and the primary sector, depends on a conveyor belt of well-educated youth coming through the system.

ACT Proposes ‘Open Seat Rule’ for Rural School Buses

ACT MP and Minister for Biosecurity Andrew Hoggard says he's hearing a common story about school buses, with empty seats, driving past pick-up points, while a parent follows behind in a farm ute, burning fuel and taking up time to get their children to school.

Featured

NZ Tractor Sales Up 10.7% in First Half of 2026: TAMA

As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Irish Dilemma

OPINION: The Irish dairy sector is facing a new dilemma - maintaining year-round fresh milk supplies.

Beef Cows To The Rescue

OPINION: Could beef cows play an increasingly important role in improving profitability and resilience on hill country farms?

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter