More than 130 young people have already registered their interest in the 2027 Growing Future Farmers (GFF) Sheep & Beef Foundations programme, highlighting strong demand for careers in sheep and beef farming. Now, Farm Trainers are urgently needed to help turn that interest into a future in the sector.
Attracting and developing skilled people is critical to the future of New Zealand's sheep and beef sector. That's why Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) proudly sponsors GFF, a farmer-led training programme helping young people build practical skills, confidence and careers in farming.
GFF is seeking more Farm Trainers to host students on-farm as part of its two-year programme. Students become part of the farm team, gaining practical experience while receiving support from GFF's Student Success Advisors and participating in structured training and workshops.
Hamish Galletly from Hossack Downs has been taking on GFF students for four years. He says the programme provides a valuable pathway into the industry, giving young people a foot in the door while combining formal qualifications with real-world farming experience.
"As an industry, we need to attract and develop good young people, and GFF provides a great structure to do that. The students come away with both qualifications and practical experience, which sets them up well for a career in farming. Having enthusiastic young people around who are keen to learn brings a really positive energy to the team, and that's certainly been the case on our farm."
Fiona Bush, GFF Student Success Advisor for the Upper South Island, says many Farm Trainers find they get just as much out of the programme as their students.
"It's an opportunity to develop leadership skills within your team, bring fresh thinking into the business and help build a pipeline of future talent for the sector. People often think they need to have all the answers to become a farm trainer, but that's not the case. We're there to support both trainers and students throughout the programme, and many trainers tell us it's one of the most rewarding things they've done."
As part of the programme, GFF provides induction support, training plans, resources, regular check-ins and ongoing pastoral care, allowing trainers to focus on on-farm development.
B+LNZ believes programmes like GFF are critical to building the sector's future workforce. They create pathways for talented young people to enter the industry while giving farmers the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and help shape the next generation.
If you’re passionate about supporting young people and want to learn more about becoming a farm trainer, now is a great time to get involved. GFF is seeking expressions of interest from farmers across New Zealand.
Learn more and register your interest through the Growing Future Farmers website.