Wednesday, 06 July 2016 08:55

Need for young blood

Written by Peter Burke

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Lincoln University's Jon Hickford.

The aging population in agriculture is working against New Zealand, says Lincoln University's Jon Hickford.

Speaking to Rural News at the Careers in Agriculture hub at Fieldays, Hickford says this is a huge problem, compounded by NZ's rapid urbanisation and disconnection from the agri sector.

The problem now is to find enough good young people to work in agriculture.

"The problem across the western world is that young people are entirely urbanised and don't realise the job opportunities out there on the land. In the case of NZ, agri defines our existence as a country.

"It is easy to pick the young people out on the land and get them enthusiastic; but impossible to get to an urban school and convince them agriculture is important. They don't get it."

Hickford says once young people have a basic grounding in agriculture they can move into a range of professions -- accountancy, property valuation, human resources and even rural news reporting.

He says the Fieldays careers hub was a good idea even though it lacked displays of technology. "This site doesn't look as flash bang as it might, but I'm not sure that's a part of it. It's really about knowing about jobs and money and security."

One instigator of the careers hub, Lee Picken, event manager for the Fieldays Society, says the idea arose out of hearing government plans to double exports and the consequent need for more people to work in farming.

And the message about attracting more young people also came from the 1000+ exhibitors at Fieldays. The education hub was partly in response to their requests.

Picken says education is a pillar of Fieldays, on par with the event's emphasis on innovation.

"The focus of the careers hub is getting the likes of PGG Wrightson, Ballance AgriNutrients and Growing NZ, all of which offer scholarships. And AFFCO is in there because of its apprenticeships.

"The hub allows students to come in and determine not necessarily their next level of education, but more where they will take their career."

Universities, some secondary schools, DairyNZ and Young Farmers were at the Careers Hub this year, and Picken predicts others will join next year.

More like this

Wired for Science: Understanding the feeding habits of mealybug

Fussy children might be frustrating, but fussy mealybugs could help protect the New Zealand wine industry from grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3.

$10,500 for future ag leaders

The future of New Zealand’s agricultural sector grew a little brighter, with the South Island Agricultural Field Days (SIAFD) now accepting applications for its scholarships through Lincoln University, offering $10,500 to up to six exceptional students who are poised to become the next leaders in the primary industries.

NZ arable farmers face global profitability pressures

Profitability issues facing arable farmers are the same across the world, says New Zealand's special agricultural trade envoy Hamish Marr.

ASB and Lincoln University Report: Smarter Land Use Could Unlock Billions for NZ Farmers

A new report from ASB and Lincoln University shows how smarter, more diverse land use could unlock billions in value for farmers and the wider economy.

Fonterra eyes EcoPond pilot to reduce on-farm emissions

Fonterra has invested in a new effluent pond mobile dosing service to support farmers to reduce emissions and make progress towards its on-farm emissions reductions target.

Featured

AgriSIMA 2026 Paris machinery show cancelled

With the current situation in the European farm machinery market being described as difficult at best, it’s perhaps no surprise that the upcoming AgriSIMA 2026 agricultural machinery exhibition, scheduled for February 2026 at Paris-Nord Villepinte, has been cancelled.

MIA showcases refreshed Taste Pure Nature brand with Shanghai pop-up experience

The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) has launched the first in-market activation of the refreshed Taste Pure Nature country-of-origin brand with an exclusive pop-up restaurant experience in Shanghai.

Cricket memorabilia up for auction for youth mental health

Jayna Wadsworth, daughter of the late New Zealand wicketkeeper Ken Wadsworth, has launched an auction of cricket memorabilia to raise funds for I Am Hope's youth mental health work.

NZ tractor sales show signs of recovery – TAMA

As we move into the 2025/26 growing season, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that the third quarter results for the year to date is showing that the stagnated tractor market of the last 18 months is showing signs of recovery.

Dairy farmers urged to participate in 2026 Levy vote

DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown is urging dairy farmers to participate in the 2026 Levy vote, to be held early next year.

B+LNZ calls for director nominations for 2026 annual meeting

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling for nominations for director roles in the Eastern North Island and Southern South Island electoral districts.