Testimonials

Growing Future Farmers (GFF) delivers the largest farmer-led vocational workforce training programme in the New Zealand Ag-sector.
Born in 2020 from our desire to do something proactive to support young people into successful farming careers, our kaupapa is simple: training “by farmers, for farmers”.

Over 100+ GFF accredited farm trainers nationally have volunteered to deliver our intensive, 2-year, highly practical on-the-farm scholarship programme for youth aged 16 - 20. They are supported by industry and community experts, along with out Student Success Advisors on the ground.

A real win-win that delivers

I got involved with GFF because I saw a need to provide more young people the opportunity to enter the sheep, beef and deer industry. It is immensely rewarding having these young people start with little to no farming skills and then see them progress, develop and grow as people to become valuable contributors to the team and the business. It is a real win-win that delivers meaningful outcomes to the student and the farm business.

Dan Jex-Blake, Mangapoike

Made a big difference

It is great to be able to offer his student a one-on-one relevant programme and having a keen young person training in his team made a big difference.As employers, we need to lead our own training programmes as we are the beneficiaries.

Pete Mc Carthy, Cross Hills

Growing young people

Ann and I are really proud to be farm trainers in the GFF programme, over the last 4 years. Growing young people who want to be part of our sheep and beef industry is
something we are all responsible for and should be part of. We totally believe
in the GFF programme and the wonderful people it develops. So much so, we have
just employed one!

Al Reeves, GFF Farm Trainer

Build Staff Talent

I see GFF as a great pathway to build staff talent in the industry, giving keen young people the chance to be immersed in your farm business for two years.

Kevin Ramsey, GFF Farm Trainer

The pride and the payoff

Farm trainer Richard Subtil shares the pride and payoff of mentoring GFF students through their two-year journey. Growth like Ella’s - on the land, with her dogs, and in herself - is what it’s all about. Are you keen to come on board as a farm trainer with GFF?

Young people gain confidence, consistency

Wairarapa dog trainer Todd Heynes is
passing on proven training techniques to GFF students. From calming rowdy pups
to building trust and respect, his sessions help our young people gain
confidence, consistency, and the know-how to grow great working dogs and great
careers.

Corey Caseley

Corey Caseley, Farm Manager at Glendonald Station, shares his experience as a GFF Farm Trainer - now on his third student. He talks about what it's like having a student on farm, the support available, and why it’s worth getting involved.
Thinking about becoming a farm trainer? Watch the video and hear Corey’s tips.

Living the dream

Growing up in the city, Rebecca dreamed of working on a South Island station. She applied to GFF and was placed on a large station in the hills of Taihape, where she thrived with all the hands-on training the programme offered. After graduating in 2022, she headed to a station in Eastern Wairarapa. And now? She’s back down south on a big station, living the dream! Rebecca’s currently part of the 2025 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Generation Next programme.

How Training Young People Is Rewarding

Farm trainers Trudy and Richard talk about how proud they feel to be part of the GFF programme. Training young people and seeing them develop into skilled farmers is immensely rewarding.