What's involved in being a Farm Trainer?
All our farm trainers show a desire to educate and train their students. They are patient, empathetic, friendly with an encouraging disposition and willingness to upskill their own attributes.
What’s involved in being a Farm Trainer?
Over the course of the two year programme, each student is partnered with an experienced farm trainer who provides one on one mentorship both in the paddock and behind the scenes. These trainers guide learners through hands on tasks—everything from livestock handling and machinery operation to pasture management—while also teaching essential life skills like time management, teamwork, and problem solving.
The programme is
supported by
Live in training:
Students join your farm team and live on site four days a week (with one day dedicated to off farm coursework). Student Success Advisors liaise with you and your student to ensure ongoing support and smooth progress.
Group sessions & progress reviews:
You may get the opportunity to host regional training workshops for your cohort and will attend Quarterly Progress Meetings with your student and their Success Advisor to celebrate achievements, set new goals, and conduct living environment check ins.
Mutual benefits:
Mentoring students offers fresh perspectives on your own farming practices—often sparking improvements in efficiency, health & safety, and technique. You’ll also develop your leadership and coaching skills, enjoy professional growth, and rediscover the rewarding purpose of nurturing the next generation of farmers.
Requirements of a Farm Trainer
Provide fully-furnished on-farm accommodation - with power, heating and WiFI
Supply the student with a heading pup and a huntaway in their first year.
Weekly Sponsorship allowance
Practical On-farm training alongside your existing team
Respectful, open-minded mentor
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
Testimonials
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.
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.
Farm trainers Alastair and Ann Reeves of Reeves Farms in the Waikato
Farm trainers Alastair and Ann Reeves of Reeves Farms in the Waikato
Farm Trainer, Matt
Farm Trainer, Matt
Meet Hamish! A GFF Farm Trainer
Meet one of of Growing Future farmer Trainer, Hamish. He discusses why he loves the program and supports it too!
Meet Hamish! A GFF Farm Trainer
Meet one of of Growing Future farmer Trainer, Hamish. He discusses why he loves the program and supports it too!
Your farming career starts here!
At GFF, we equip you with skills that last a lifetime. Your farming career starts here. Learn more at growingfuturefarmers.co.nz
Your farming career starts here!
At GFF, we equip you with skills that last a lifetime. Your farming career starts here. Learn more at growingfuturefarmers.co.nz
Dreaming of a career in farming?
Dreaming of a career in farming? Our programme opens doors to a rewarding future!
Dreaming of a career in farming?
Dreaming of a career in farming? Our programme opens doors to a rewarding future!
