Fresh look at farming for youth

 From February 26-28 people from Northland and beyond will flood into Dargaville for the field days, an event offering plenty to young people, notably a practical look at how they can get into farming and forestry. 

Career days, scholarships and the return of the Northland Young Farmers will be features of the event. 

The committee is offering another $10,000 in scholarships, towards education or to support research into opportunities in the region’s rural sector.

Last year, for the first time, the committee awarded $10,500 scholarships to seven students (18-20) from Whangarei, Wellsford, Hikurangi and Matawaia. Competition was tough among the applicants, Duggan says. 

“Bright young men and women gave it their best last year to get the grants. With young people of this quality entering agriculture in Northland, I think the region has a bright future.”

Youngsters looking for a start in farming, forestry and construction will get a close look at these careers. Thirty two high school students from Kaipara, Whangarei, lower Far North and Rodney will learn about operating diggers, trucks and construction equipment. The aim is to show them what it’s like to work in these industries.

“We’re looking forward to seeing some of the area’s brightest students at the field days, where they’ll learn about New Zealand’s most exciting and essential industries,” says Duggan.

The event will also see the return of the Northland Young Farmers. The Kaipara branch has played a big part in the field days development: they organised and ran the first one at Dargaville racecourse in 1985.

Duggan is looking forward to the event reaffirming its connection to Young Farmers, given its huge contribution to agriculture.

“Young Farmers has played a huge part in connecting and supporting rural communities so it’s good to see them taking an interest in the field days. We hope we can work closer with members in the future.”

And with the grounds having been almost booked out by November 2014, Duggan expects something for every visitor, especially the attraction of new machinery: John Deere, Fendt and Indian farm machinery maker Mahindra will introduce new products.

Visitors will access the field days via a pedestrian friendly walkway, buying tickets at newer, smarter gate facilities. And a new permanent toilet block will add to their comfort.

“The Northland Field Days grounds have been improved and added to for 10 years,” says Duggan. “And while a toilet block and better pedestrian access are the most ambitious changes to date, these will pale against the improvements we have planned for the near future.”