Taratahi problems seen in 2018
The problems at Taratahi were laid open, prior to its interim liquidation in December, in August last year.
Farmers in future will have to do both traditional farm work and have more high-end skills, says Taratahi Agriculture Training Centre chief executive Arthur Graves.
He says the future will bring more corporate-type farming operations, where employers will have to be much more skilled in human resources -- recruiting, retaining and getting full value from their staff.
And many young people coming into farming will need a good education, Graves says, though traditional farm workers will always find roles.
“That means Taratahi will have to service the current market, focusing on turning out good skilled workers, and develop our ability to keep up and get ahead of changes,” he told Rural News.
“It’s a two speed thing: we need to be thinking about young people, and about future employers, with high-end skills, management and leadership skills, systems thinking and problem solving skills and the ability to use data and sophisticated planning techniques.”
Graves sees the smartphone as not just a replacement for pen and paper, but also a means of enabling farmers to do more.
A challenge facing the wider agri-sector is where the next generation of farm workers will come from, he says. NZ is among the highly urbanised countries in the OECD and a way must be found to connect the values of farming with young people.
Historically farmers have been in agriculture for the lifestyle and their love of the work, “so how do you translate that into a modern paradigm for young people?” he asks.
“What is it that appeals to them? For example, could it be they value animals, looking after the environment or just value outdoor work? What pushes their buttons?”
Today’s young people don’t have the same access to agriculture as he and others of earlier generations had.
Though he wasn’t brought up on a farm, he lived in a small rural town and spent time with friends whose parents had farms.
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…