Farming to Succeed

Farming to Succeed is the very popular leadership development programme specifically created for the agriculture industry and offered by their industry training organisation Agriculture ITO (AgITO). The programme encourages talented young people to progress their careers within the agriculture industry.

Previously known as Future Farmers, the course has recently been rebranded and expanded and is set to become a major player in rural personal development programmes. Its specific focus is agricultural business success, but the value of personal achievement is also emphasised.

Agricultural employers are encouraged to recommend suitable AgITO trainees of any age to their AgITO Advisor. Course participants are then chosen on merit to fill a specific number of places.

The intensive practical five-day courses are held in both the North and South Islands each year. The programme continues to be facilitated by Waikato farmer and business owner Grant Taylor. Assisted by a strong network of highly motivated agribusiness people, Grant has delivered a structured programme of workshops, farm visits, guest speakers and discussion groups for the past seven years.

Attendees are offered the opportunity to increase their knowledge of successful farm business practices and agricultural economics. They also learn the skills necessary to set business and personal goals and improve their careers.

Sponsorship by FIL New Zealand has meant places available in 2010 have doubled, making this course available to more applicants. Plus an additional one-day refresher course is now offered for past participants thanks to FIL support.

This inspirational course is designed to keep talent within agriculture, make future leaders in the agricultural sector aware of the possibilities of their farming career and start them thinking about building sustainable, profitable businesses of their own.

Website - www.agricultureito.ac.nz