Sheep & Beef Farm Trainer FAQs
Do the Students pay towards the Programme?
Until now, the GFF programme has been fees-free for students. From 2026, we are
introducing a Student Participation Contribution for the first time.
What is the Farm Trainer required to provide?
- Fully furnished accommodation up to Healthy Homes Standard
- Pups x 2
- Wi-Fi
- Power (up to $150/month)
- Farm Vehicle – Quad Bike to be fitted with ROP
- Monthly Student Sponsorship Payment
In addition to the list of FT requirements, does the FT have to pay anything else?
Yes, from 2025 GFF introduced a Farm Trainer Contribution of $3k per student
per year. More details about this FT contribution will be available during the
FT Application Process
I am unable to provide student accommodation, but I am keen to be involved. Are we able to share student accommodation with a neighbouring property?
Yes, subject to prior approval. Terms and conditions apply.
Are we able to share a student between more than one property?
Yes, subject to prior approval. Terms and conditions apply.
Do busy times on the farm take priority over the GFF Student Training Calendar?
No. The annual training programme is compulsory. It is important to remember GFF Students are not employees; they are students on farm to train.
What happens if there is a personality clash between a Farm Trainer and a student?
GFF has processes and procedures in place led by our Student Success Advisors to manage and resolve any problems.
Can a student or a Farm Trainer withdraw from the Programme?
Yes. Terms and conditions apply.
How many days a week is the student away from the farm?
On average, a student is away from the farm one day a week. The Student Success Advisor communicates the weekly plan via email.
How many weeks a year are the students on farm training?
The course is 44 weeks per year for all students. Students take a mid-year semester break for two weeks in July and approximately a 4-week break over Christmas.
The students finish the year at our busiest time on farm. Are they able to stay and work over their Christmas break with us?
Over the Christmas break, students may choose to find a holiday job or spend time with family and friends. If you employ a student over the break or outside of their training hours, then this is a separate employment agreement outside of GFF.
Is the student eligible for a government student loan?
Yes. Students can access www.studylink.govt.nz for more information.
How does a Farm sponsor a student $215 per week to train?
The Farm provides a monthly donation to the GFF Trust. GFF administers weekly payments to students that increase throughout the programme to reflect their experience. Terms and conditions apply.
Who provides the student their 8-week-old heading pup and 8-week-old huntaway pup?
The Farm Trainer provides the 8-week-old pups, sourced through the GFF pup trainers. These pups are owned by the Farming business until the student graduates, when ownership is then transferred to the graduate.
Can we train a student if we don’t have any internet or Wi-Fi?
No. The cloud-based Programme requires the student to have daily access to Wi-Fi.
Will a student provide their own phone and computer for studying?
Yes. To be enrolled in the Programme, students must have their own phone and laptop. Students are eligible for a student loan to cover this cost.
Will the student have appropriate gear for farming?
Yes. Students purchase a basic gear list as part of course requirements, including working boots, wet weather gear, farm clothing, etc.
Who provides the Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)?
The student is required to purchase a PLB as part of GFF’s Health &
Safety requirements from the required gear list.
How do I register my interest?
You
can reach out at any time to us at [email protected]
a member of our team will then contact you with more information, including
programme details and next steps for onboarding. Alternatively, you can go
straight to applying online