Farmer Time for Schools expands, connecting more students with farmers
In the past year, the Farmer Time for Schools programme which seeks to connect New Zealand school students with farmers, has experienced further growth.
The scholarship is aimed at supporting a new generation of leaders in the sheep and beef sector.
As part of the initiative, B+LNZ will sponsor two sheep and beef farmers to participate in the NZ Rural Leader’s Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme in 2025.
Each successful candidate will be paired with a B+LNZ mentor relevant to their area of interest, with a tailored mentoring programme developed around them.
The scholarship is part of the industry good body’s refreshed strategy to enhance and sustain on-farm productivity and profitability.
A major focus of that strategy is on growing on-farm leadership, which the organisation says is essential for retaining talent and fostering positive workplace cultures.
Through this, B+LNZ says it aims to boost retention by enhancing leadership, celebrating success, and ensuring farm teams thrive from day one to the end of year three.
Olivia Weatherburn, B+LNZ national extension programme manager says the scholarship isn’t just about individual development but is also designed to benefit the wider sector.
“Recipients will share their project findings and experiences at a series of B+LNZ events, ensuring that the knowledge gained contributes to the growth and success of all our levy payers,” Weatherburn says.
She says that through the scholarship, B+LNZ wants to support and enable future farming leaders to make a significant impact on the sheep and beef sector from their position on-farm.
“We are committed to nurturing leadership behind the farm gates to grow the rural leadership community, ensuring that our sector continues to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape,” Weatherburn adds.
“We encourage all eligible farmers to apply and take this important step in their professional development.”
To apply for the scholarship, head to https://beeflambnz.com/programmes-partnerships/people-and-training/personal-development-programmes/kellogg-rural-leaders. Applications close 5pm, 7 October 2024.
