General News

Go west for your gap year

The next generation of farmers is being nurtured thanks to a new two-year farm placement program, which will help young guns see what the sector is all about after leaving school. 

NSW Farmers Young Farmer Council Chair Mitch Highett congratulated the NSW Government on the Agricultural Pathways Program, which allowed school leavers to join the managing teams of the Department of Primary Industries with their 13,000-hectare research station portfolio. 

“Agriculture is an exciting sector that’s booming right now and offers many traditional and emerging opportunities, which continue to evolve as advancements in technology and innovation are made,” Mr Highett said.

“Exposing young people to the industry is one of the most valuable actions we can take, and we commend the state government on taking that step through this program.

“NSW Farmers has been calling for such programs for some time now, recognising the challenges the sector has faced in attracting future farmers and the impact this could have in the uptake of agriculture-related roles.”

Mr Highett said with ‘gap years’ so common among school leavers, it’s a no brainer to do something a bit different.

“With key accountabilities ranging from general crop, pasture, animal and farm operations, to horticultural activities, livestock handling, tractor and farm equipment maintenance and general farm upkeep – the level of exposure the program offers is excellent,” Mr Highett said. 

“This sort of experience would give life-long memories, as well as instil a work ethic that’s valuable in any career pathway – whether it’s related to agriculture or not.”

Applications are open for the NSW Government’s Agricultural Pathways Program. For more information visit https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/who-we-are/career-opportunities.