Student Programme

Growing Future Farmers includes:

A two-year programme – 44 weeks per year from late -January to late November/early Dec
Practical workplace training and development
NZQA New Zealand Certificates via EIT in
- Primary Industries (level 2 and 3)
- Certificate in Agriculture (level 3) Meat and/or Fibre Strand
Pastoral care and Student Success Advisor support in the regions
Weekly Sponsorship allowance
2 x working pup’s
Mentoring & Alumni Network
Industry Field days & Networking
Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship
Technology in Ag

Providing a career pathway for farmers of the future

GFF is dedicated to developing the next generation of skilled farmers through real-world, on-farm training. Our structured programmes support both school leavers and tertiary graduates by complementing academic learning with hands-on experience, progressing from Essential Farm Skills through to Advanced Farm Skills and Farm Business Management.

Through our nationally recognised qualifications, trainees gain access to industry-specific training and development, including cloud-based learning and practical application in real farm environments – all designed to fast-track careers in the sheep and beef sector.

The programme is
supported by

GFF registered farms and farm trainers throughout NZ – teaching and training students in a genuine workplace

NZQA National Certificate Qualifications – EIT

Independent Student Success Advisors

Our Selection Criteria

Empathy for animals

Self sufficiency

Attitude and willingness to learn

Level of numeracy and literacy

Restricted Drivers Licence

School and character reference

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We deliver the largest farmer-led vocational workforce training programme in New Zealand’s 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.

NZQA accredited, GFF is designed to both amplify academic learning, as a practical extension to any tertiary qualification, and provide a direct trade qualification for those straight out of secondary school.

We are proud to say that 100% of our graduates are now fully employed in the industry.

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

Testimonials

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.

Farm trainers Alastair and Ann Reeves of Reeves Farms in the Waikato

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!

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!

Student Programme

Growing Future Farmers includes: