The diverse experiences and opportunities studying Agriculture:

Monique Mellow talks of her journey from Morrinsville College to the Fairlight Station.

30th October 2023

Growing up in the Waikato, what some might consider the dairy farming central of New Zealand, the story of Monique Mellow, a passionate honours student from Lincoln, unfolds. Her journey from secondary school at Morrinsville College to an on-farm internship through the Fairlight Foundation for women, showcases how early exposure to Agricultural Science can spark a lifelong love for the industry.

23-year-old Monique’s story begins at Morrinsville College, and their school farm, where she initially explored the world of agriculture from Year 9 through to Year 13. In the earlier years of studying agriculture only unit standards were available.  In her Year 12, with the arrival of a new teacher, Jackie Driver, achievement standards were introduced to replace the unit standards offered. This shift transformed the subject into a more science-based class, drawing in students who sought both the academic challenge and practical experiences. 

“Having the farm at Morrinsville College catered for both the practical and academic based learners.  With our curriculum, the farm and its’ animals played an integral role in every lesson. This involved tasks such as animal weighing and monitoring growth rates.”

One of Monique’s assignments at Morrinsville College delved into meat quality, offering insight into what affects the quality of meat and its processing. The class even ventured into the marketing side of the primary sector, exploring the world of wine marketing through a visit to Vilagrad Winery. This broadened perspective helped Monique understand that the primary sector wasn’t just about practicality; it had a dynamic, multifaceted aspect that included marketing and innovation. 

Growing up herself in the more urban area of Morrinsville, Monique’s extended family were dairy farmers.  Through this exposure to farming, which she “loved”, studying agriculture seemed a no brainer.  She had an initial desire to become a veterinarian, however her teacher recognised her true calling, encouraging her to consider studying Agricultural Science.  A trip down to a Lincoln University open day with her dad, and the support she received from her family, convinced her that Lincoln University was the best option. 

“My teacher suggested that I probably wouldn’t enjoy being a vet as it wasn’t who I was.  She encouraged me to do Agricultural Science at Lincoln University and I was thankful to her for that. I know now that agricultural science is absolutely what I love.”

In Monique’s last year of university, she gained a Prime Minister’s Scholarship which allowed her the opportunity to explore overseas markets during a month-long visit to South Korea. The experience expanded her understanding of the industry’s international landscape and combined with her academic achievements, set her on a path to success, culminating in her graduating with honours that year. 

Monique’s next adventure led her to the Fairlight Station in Kingston, located 45 minutes south of Queenstown at the bottom of Lake Wakatipu.  This is where she embarked on the Fairlight Foundation internship. The Fairlight Foundation’s mission is to support women’s career advancement in the New Zealand agricultural industry. 

Each year the Fairlight Foundation takes on 3 new female interns, where they learn everything from stock handling and management, to what they call their ‘off stock’ curriculum, which includes, machinery, general farm, management, forestry, and environmental management and sustainability. 

From setbacks to success:

Harry Eschenbach’s story of education in agriculture, resilience and the power of goal setting.

Harry's journey from a serious rugby injury to a successful role in Agribusiness is a remarkable example of how education, determination, and the importance of goal setting, can have a profound influence on the pathway to one’s career.  His story highlights the role that the Agricultural and Horticultural Science class at Rathkeale College played in shaping his career and the constant pursuit of learning and personal growth.

Harry's life took an unexpected turn during his time at Rathkeale College in Year 13 when he suffered a life-threatening injury whilst playing rugby. The accident left him with severe physical and mental challenges, including concussion, neuro-physical issues, and the need to relearn basic motor skills. At one point, unable to feel his limbs, he faced the terrifying possibility of tetraplegia, however he has made a miraculous full recovery.  Harry's resilience and determination to recover were fuelled by the support of organisations like the Rugby Foundation and Life Light, as well as the unwavering encouragement of his family, teachers, and friends.

Despite the adversity he faced, Harry's passion for agriculture never waned. Born and raised in Wellington, he developed an early fascination with tractors, animals, and the farming way of life. Weekend visits to a friend's farm nurtured this interest, making it clear that agriculture was his calling. His decision to pursue a career in the Primary Industries was further solidified when he joined Rathkeale's Agricultural and Horticultural Science class in Year 9, taking it right through to Year 13.

The focus was not just on learning basic farming practices but covered Agribusiness such as insights into export markets and the different complexities of agribusinesses. With his teacher, Coadette Low’s encouragement and guidance, Harry's passion for agriculture grew, revealing the myriad of opportunities within the sector, extending well beyond traditional farming and manual labour.

Harry was not one to sit still at school and always made the most out of every opportunity.  On a promise from his father, to help buy him a new Ute if he achieved good grades, Harry dutifully went on to achieve those grades and transformed the back of his new Ute into a makeshift BBQ station, where he grilled steaks for morning tea! During his lunch hours he indulged another passion, training dogs - all whilst managing to become Sports Prefect, Head of House and stock managing a 550-hectare property.

“I knew that I learned differently but if I could turn it into my language, I learned a lot better.  I always thought of myself as doing wood technologies, all the dropout classes by stereotype, but in my year 13 before I broke my neck, I was still doing English, Biology and Agricultural and Horticultural Science, as I saw the value of making sure I was still doing those basics and fundamentals well”.

Harry's educational journey didn't conclude at Rathkeale College. Despite ongoing cognitive symptoms from his injury, which prevented him from accepting his invitation to attend the Smedley Station and Cadet Training course, Harry remained committed to his learning. When university was also not an option, he sought out alternative academic opportunities and dedicated himself to training whilst on the job, embarking on the Primary ITO level 4 courses for Beef+Lamb New Zealand and later, in his role as a 2IC on a dairy farm, he completed the Primary ITO level 4 DairyNZ course.

These experiences enabled him to gain valuable knowledge and skills, which he continues to use in his career today.  He eventually, made his way to his current role as a sales agronomist for HnT Agronomics. Through this role, Harry has come to recognise the importance of the relationship between soil health and prosperous farming.  He is passionate about helping farmers optimise their land and produce higher-quality crops and livestock. His goal is to eventually own his own farm, adopting a holistic approach to farming and utilising every resource efficiently. When it comes to goal setting Harry has this to say.

“Tell your tightest 2-3 people that can keep you accountable.  My goals have never shifted but my pathways drifted quite dramatically.  I have been trying to build a business the past 2 years whilst working for HnT and with the economic, climate, and weather conditions, have been very discouraged, but it’s all part of your journey and the skills you learn and develop now, will hold you in good stead for the future, although it may not seem worth it at the time”.

When talking about the future of the Primary Industries, Harry stresses the need for diverse talents, including scientists, IT experts, and individuals with fresh ideas and solutions. He emphasises the need for professionals in human resources, mental health, marketing, and law, to contribute to the agricultural sector. Organisations like the Rural Support Trust, led by individuals like Sarah Donaldson, play a vital role in providing essential support to those in the agricultural industry, particularly in addressing mental health challenges.

Harry challenges those outside the sector with unique skill sets to consider agriculture as a viable and fulfilling career option. He believes that farmers on the ground can deliver incredible products, but there's a need for a whole team of individuals with varying expertise to support them. From scientists specialising in soil and microbiology to IT experts and innovators, agriculture welcomes contributions from all walks of life.

“If I could inspire at least 2 or 3 people, that weren’t originally in agriculture, to join the sector and they bring 5 or 6 fresh new ideas or innovations into the industry, changing it for the better, then I feel I would have made my mark and that is the kind of legacy I would like to leave”.

Harry's story serves as a powerful reminder that when life throws unexpected curveballs and plans don't unfold as anticipated, with determination, a commitment to continuous education, and the resilience to overcome life's challenges, one can achieve their goals and make a significant impact in their chosen field.  As Harry looks forward to the future with excitement, his journey serves as an inspiration to all aspiring agricultural professionals.

Cultivating Success:

Aidan's Journey from School Farm to Rabobank

Aidan Bright, last on top row with fellow Rabobank Agribusiness Graduates, Hamilton.

Aidan's story, which began with his enrolment in an Agricultural and Horticultural Science class at Mount Albert Grammar School in 2018, highlights the pivotal role that Agricultural and Horticultural Science has played in his career so far. Aidan's education led him through the Rabobank Agri-Leadership Programme, to Massey University and ultimately landed him a position as a Rabobank Agribusiness Graduate. We explore Aidan's inspiring journey, with insights from his own words and experiences.

Raised in the heart of Auckland, Aidan had limited connection to the world of agribusiness, however, his family's farming heritage and rural roots were always there, waiting to be unearthed.  His journey into the world of agriculture and horticulture commenced after a challenging period of his young life. After facing significant health issues and learning through the Northern Health Correspondence School, Aidan felt that his love for animals, outdoor activities, and wanting to stay healthy through physical engagement, that Agricultural and Horticultural Science was the perfect subject to facilitate his transition back into full-time schooling.

Aiden reminisces of his time at Mt Albert Grammar School and how he was first introduced to the subject. “For school inductions in Year 9, we were all taken up to the school farm and shown around which really gives the subject great visibility. The farm is hard to miss and some of the new school buildings have even been designed to make the most of the farm view, a welcome distraction from other subjects, I'm sure!”

His educational journey wasn't limited to the Agricultural and Horticultural Science class; he embraced a mix of subjects, including Media, History, Psychology, English, and Biology. It was a diverse selection driven by his genuine interests and passions, however through his studies in Agricultural and Horticultural Science, he also gained an interest in Agribusiness. Aidan firmly believes that teachers are the backbone of a student's success, as they inspire, motivate, and drive intellectual curiosity, extending their influence beyond the classroom walls.

“Esther Hancock helped us set up a TeenAg club, and a few of us from that club went on to the Young Farmers Raising the Standards course.  It was also Esther who encouraged a couple of us to go along to the Rabobank Agri-Leadership Programme in 2019.  She was always passing on these opportunities, being encouraging and giving us the confidence to give things a shot”.

The 5-day Rabobank Agri-Leadership Programme, a Rabobank Client Council initiative, held at Waikato University was a turning point in Aidan’s journey.  This experience offered him a tangible insight into the vast and diverse opportunities in the food and fibre sector.  It introduced him to the intricacies of supply chain and has connected him with a network of passionate individuals, organisations, and companies.  Following the programme, Aidan's path became clear. He decided to pursue Agribusiness studies at a tertiary level, and went on to gain a degree in Agribusiness, majoring in International Agribusiness Studies at Massey University.

Whilst studying a Sustainable Business Management paper, his lecturer invited guest speakers to engage with the class. One of these speakers was rower Brooke Francis (née Donoghue), a Silver Medal Olympian and Rabobank employee based in the Waikato. During her online talk, Brooke shared her experiences and mentioned that Rabobank's Graduate Programme was opening.

Though he hadn't previously considered rural banking, the course experience and Brooke's insights ignited a spark of curiosity. Rabobank being New Zealand's only food and agri-specialist bank wholly dedicated to the agricultural sector was a significant drawcard.  On further investigation, learning about Rabobank's values and the type of support they provided, he decided to apply.

The Rabobank programme offers participants the chance to experience different facets of the banking world through three six-month rotations. Aidan embarked on his graduate journey last year with a six-month stint in Dunedin as an Agribusiness Analyst, working in support of Agribusiness Managers with new clients or addressing various client needs. 

His journey continued up in Hamilton at Head Office with a transition to a more specialised role focused on data analysis for the business development team. This evolution showcases the programme's commitment to nurturing individual strengths and interests, allowing Aidan to explore his skills and passions in a niche area.

One aspect of the agricultural industry that consistently surprises Aidan is the industry's close-knit and supportive nature, which has also been evident in the Rabobank culture. People in the sector share a common interest in agriculture that often transcends a mere job. They are willing to help, guide, and support one another, contributing to a sense of belonging and purpose.

“I knew from my own family and friends how kind, generous, and connected primary sector communities are, but it is special to say that this has only got truer as I’ve got more involved. It’s hard to describe in words just how willing people are to help you, and the genuine care and authenticity people hold.”

Outside of his career, Aidan finds time for social engagement and personal interests. He is an active member of New Zealand Young Farmers, enjoying the camaraderie and support it offers. In addition, he values fitness and music, although his work commitments have required some adjustments in his schedule. He believes that to inspire more people like himself into the sector, it is essential to communicate the breadth of opportunities available and the meaningful work that comes with them. 

Sow the Seed Annual Report - view PDF here

Interview with up-and-coming young Primary Industry leader Sarah Wilson

Written by Catherine Bryant, July 2023

What inspired you to take Agricultural and Horticultural Science at Bethlehem College in 2020?

Growing up in the township of Te Puke a lot of my parent’s friends were already connected to the horticultural industry in some way. My neighbour was an engineer working in a kiwifruit pack house. My parents don’t work in the Primary Industries, however they did a lot of research for me and they were the ones that suggested I should think about the sector as a possible career path for myself.  

They created a network of people for me to talk to prior, so that I could get a better understanding of what the industry was like.  This was when I was deciding which subjects to take in Year 13, that would lead me on to further study at university.  There were talks of doing a business degree or going into other science subjects, however I felt that the Agricultural and Horticultural Science subject offered at Bethlehem College was a good mixture of everything that I’m passionate about.  I had also known a few people who were above me at school and went on to do some awesome things. One was working at Southern Cross Horticulture and another one was at Massey University studying Agribusiness.  She had been on trips to Asia and had other amazing opportunities.  

On top of that, I had been to a career expo, where ZESPRI, NZKGI and quite a few of other companies in the Kiwifruit industry attended. It was all those three things together that made me think, Agricultural and Horticultural Science had some really great opportunities. It wasn’t until I was about to take NCEA Level 3 in Year 13 that I became really interested.

Did you feel that Agricultural and Horticultural Science complimented your other Year 13 subjects?

Year 13 Agricultural and Horticultural Science was one of the best courses I took at High School as it covered a lot of bases, such as Economics, through to actual practical application.  It was a good balance, and we looked at things like free trade agreements, quality assurance, and that set me up so well for my university degree.

Was this just an Agricultural and Horticultural Science class or did it incorporate Agribusiness?

We only had Agricultural and Horticultural Science at Bethlehem College but by Year 13, it had incorporated more business aspects, such as what’s going on in the marketplace.  You’re out there in your vege garden growing your carrots, but you also get to see what’s going on post-harvest, where those carrots are going, changing market forces and quality standards.

You enjoyed the practical learning, what else did you enjoy about the subject?

I think it was that mix between the practical and the academic side where you got to go out and see what was happening.  We had garden plots at school, where we would do test patches and experiment with different rates of fertiliser. For example, the plots with more nitrogen had big green leaves, but the carrots were not as big. The ones that had been given more potassium had grown bigger carrots but had less leaves.  Seeing what impact these different practices had on the growth of our food was very interesting and relevant to the real world.

As a high achieving person, did you find the subject challenging?

Yes, absolutely we had an awesome teacher Helen McKoy that set us up for wins, which like in anything, if you have people setting you up to win, then it’s always a good feeling.  I learned a lot as it’s not just Agriculture and Horticulture. It takes in so many different subjects, there is always a challenge and something to learn and if there’s something you’re especially interested in, you can learn more about it. 

The ZESPRI conference in Year 13 that you attended, was it really inspiring for you?

Through our Agricultural and Horticultural Science class, we were invited to attend a ZESPRI conference and Young Grower of the Year Awards. It was my first ever taste into networking events and was such a great opportunity. I left the conference just buzzing! We had awesome speakers that had come from around the world, and they talked about the future of supermarkets and how we must be innovating ahead of supermarkets overseas.

With so much new technology developing around the world, New Zealand must be ahead of the game.  We must be even more sustainable, so that we’re creating value.  That’s what ZESPRI does, and it’s not because kiwifruit are expensive to produce, but it’s because they’ve managed to create value throughout the supply chain. 

At the end of Year 13, how did you make the ultimate decision to study a Bachelor of International Agribusiness at Massey University, from which you graduate this year?

My original plan was to do a straight Business Studies degree, I didn’t want to close any doors and to keep my options open, but the more I thought about it, the more I thought it would be wise to keep an industry tied to the business degree and it was the best decision I ever made.  Studying Agricultural and Horticultural Science meant that I had an industry tied to it, I had companies tied to it, I had potential scholarships tied to it, so many opportunities to go overseas.  

I went to Mexico working for Nestlé last summer and I’m off to Thailand and Malaysia in a few weeks with the Southeast Asia Pacific Excellence Trade Group.  I have had so many opportunities that I would never have got, if I didn’t have a niche degree.  It differentiates you from a lot of other people.

How did you get to go to Thailand?

When I was in Mexico with Nestlé, there was another person on the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Agriculture working with me.  He suggested I come and join the Southeast Asia Pacific Excellence Group.  It’s a group of young people, who are interested in trade in the Southeast Asian markets. 

For ZESPRI and for a lot of other Agriculture and Horticulture exporters that’s one of our biggest and developing markets, so it’s important that we are establishing relationships in those markets.  I went along to some of their events and then applied for the position.

Can you tell me more about the two internships that you have been on as part of your degree requirements at Massey?

As part of my degree, you must do two practicums, which are 12-week internships at a company. My first one was with ZESPRI and my second one was in Mexico at Nestlé as their Agricultural intern.  During the ZESPRI internship, I was part of the Quality Assurance team, and my role was to analyse the product notification systems.  

Going to Mexico was amazing and such an incredible opportunity, to see Mexican agriculture, the similarities, and the differences.  I applied for the opportunity through the Prime Minister’s Scholarship.  It’s a different challenge over there, ours is sustainable regenerative agriculture but theirs is just getting farmers above the poverty line. It’s a lot more fragmented, their producers are smaller, rather than in New Zealand, with bigger farms and wealthier farmers.  

Being the head of the Hort Society at Massey University, can you tell me a bit about what the organisation does?

The Hort Society is for people who are passionate about the horticulture industry and who are keen to learn more about it.  We do a lot of networking events, go to conferences, bring people in to speak at Massey and learn about what’s going on in the New Zealand horticultural industry.  Our last networking event, we went up to the Bay of Plenty to have a look at some kiwifruit orchards and pack houses.  

Can you tell me a bit about your role being on the IFAMA Youth Board?

That is the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association.  They have a youth board in the Oceania region. The idea is to get youth interested in Agricultural and Horticultural Science and in a similar vein we have networking events.  Because it’s Oceania wide a lot of it is online and have meetings and networking events over zoom. We have just launched our inaugural venture building challenge, we had teams from all around the world competing.  

What is your role with Grassroots in social media?

I work every Monday with Grassroots. They’re all women who have agricultural backgrounds but have ended up doing media and communications. We work for a range of agricultural clients throughout New Zealand.  

I work for Forestry Careers, and they work with getting young people into forestry.  It has been a great opportunity and what is evident is that all these industries have the same issues, there’s not enough women or enough young people coming through. I am trying to get the word out there, trying to spark conversations or get people thinking about the opportunities that are there.

Why do you think there’s not enough young people coming into the industry seeing as it has all these massive benefits?

I think it’s just a lack of exposure, they don’t know enough about what’s out there.  When people think about the agricultural and horticultural industries, they immediately think of early morning starts and hard physical labour.  There are a lot of jobs like that, but not all of them, we need people in marketing, engineering, and technology. There’s so many different roles and people just need to know about them. 

What do you love about the Primary Industries?

Lots of people are really keen to have young people that are passionate about the Primary Industries, there’s such a shortage of skills in our sector.  Ultimately, it’s the people in the Primary Industries, they’re humble and down to earth, good New Zealanders and that’s why there’s such a tightness in the industry.

What do you want to do when you leave university?

I would love to add real value to the industry.  I want to possibly end up in consulting, and use what I’ve learned to help people.  I have enjoyed marketing, but with the bigger companies a lot is done offshore and harder to get into.  I am really interested in the trade industry, the bilateral agreements and going to see different cultures and talking up the New Zealand agricultural and horticultural industry.  We have such a competitive advantage in New Zealand, however we must keep up our clean green image to keep our edge in the sector.

Inspired by studying Agricultural and Horticultural Science at High School, this young high achiever became a vet.

Originally from a sheep and beef farm in the Patoka region of the Hawke’s Bay, William MacDonald always had an interest in farming and agriculture. However it was during his 5 year stint of taking Agricultural and Horticultural Science at Napier Boys’ High School, under the guidance of teacher Rex Newman, that his passion was nurtured and flourished.  MacDonald took the subject from Year 9 in 2012 to Year 13 and it was the perfect balance of practical and theory that he enjoyed the most.  Being a bright student that excelled in Science, MacDonald found that even early on, the scientific component of the subject kept him engaged.  However it also was often paired with a practical assessment or field trip which made the learning even more relatable.

“We went to ARL, a Ravensdown operated laboratory where they do soil testing and pasture analysis. We were doing an internal assessment where we applied different amounts of fertiliser over different plots of grass. Then we took some of those pasture samples into ARL and had them tested.  They analysed for the different components of the pasture compared and measured the pasture growth to establish which rate of fertiliser was the most economic in terms of the yield”.

MacDonald found that as a young person, sowing seeds, watching them grow and then harvesting the result was extremely rewarding. With its broad coverage of topics, Agricultural and Horticultural Science complimented the other subjects that MacDonald took such as Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Economics and Accounting. He was fortunate enough that he was accelerated in Year 10 and able to take Level 1 Maths, Science and Geography.  If there had been the equivalent course of Agribusiness that would’ve been a good fit as well.

As is often the case, a certain teacher can have a profound effect on a students learning and Rex Newman for MacDonald was one of those teachers. “He’s an amazing teacher.  Recently I had to take part in some career personal development and was reflecting on why I wanted to be a vet and how I ended up here.  I knew that I wanted to do something in Agriculture when I was in High School, and discovered that passion in my Agricultural and Horticultural Science class”.

MacDonald goes on to say that Rex was able to set work that was challenging for students at all levels to ensure they would excel.  It was Rex’s direction and encouragement that led MacDonald on to obtaining an NCEA Agricultural and Horticultural Science Scholarship in 2016.   For students that were more practical minded, he would set up avenues for people to pursue their certain interests in the Primary Industries, such as helping them get into a shearing course.

The course prepared him well for further study at a tertiary level and went on to gain a Bachelor of Veterinary Science at Massey University. MacDonald explained they still had lectures in soil science, and agronomy, so the Agricultural and Horticultural Science subject at Napier Boys’, had given him a really good base of scientific knowledge, as well as learning about Economics and the day to day running of an agricultural business such as a dairy farm.

“As a vet when you’re suggesting different interventions in a business, a lot of the time it comes down to money and affordability. Understanding the economics and showing how your intervention can make it more profitable or can benefit the farmer is really important”.

In 2016, MacDonald and a friend entered the Junior Young Farmers competition in Timaru and came Runners Up. “It was a really great experience and it’s something that I would encourage young people at school to get into if they have a Young Farmers Club.  Rex Newman and the other students that were in my class encouraged me in Year 11 to join the Teen Ag club which is where I found out about the Junior Young Farmers”.

MacDonald believes that one of the major draw cards to working in the Primary Industries is the vast amount of opportunity.  People already working in the sector know that just because you take Agricultural and Horticultural Science doesn’t mean you’re going to end up on a farm, but how do we get that across to those that don’t know much about the Primary Industries at all?

MacDonald gives an example of the variation of jobs available in just one business.  Taranaki Vet Centre works alongside the Taranaki Dairy Trust and their farms, used for veterinarian and environmental research studies.  These farms still require day to day running, and there are opportunities for people to be employed either as a farmer or a scientist on these farms. “There are specialties for rural accountants and bankers, so having a basic understanding of a farming business can take you a lot of places.”

MacDonald is part of the MPI Rural Vet Bonding Scheme which he was made aware of at Massey University.  Part of the requirement to be eligible, is that once you leave university you have to be living in a rural area and 80% of your work has to be with either production animals or working dogs or both.  In return, you receive $55k over a period of 5 years.  The first instalment is $33k after completing the third year.  Then $11k in the fourth and the fifth year.

MacDonald always knew that he wanted to be involved with production/farm animals, so thought this would be a good fit for him, and he was right, as he absolutely loves it. The Taranaki Vet Centre has  branches in Hāwera, Manaia, Stratford and Pātea.  But MacDonald mostly works out of Manaia. He has been in the bonding scheme with MPI for just over 1 and a half years and feels that he will definitely stay in the rural sector, due to its variation and diverse nature of experiences. “We get to see the highs and the lows.  Often you’re coming in at a really stressful busy time such as over calving and it’s rewarding to be able to fix problems quickly, like birthing a calf”. 

He goes on to explain that rural vets often work as consultants in different primary industry businesses, provide technical advice as well as doing routine animal health.  Taranaki Vets also have an animal nutritionist they work alongside. Another part of a rural vet’s job is to make production plans and provide reproduction consultancy. MacDonald himself also does one day a week small animal work.

What MacDonald finds most enjoyable about his job is that no two days are the same.  “The most rewarding thing is getting out on farm and working closely with clients and building those relationships. We have regular contact with our farmers, and you get to know them quite well”. When asked which animal he likes to work with most, he says coming from a sheep and beef background, he is always amazed at how much dairy cows will put up with and how tolerant they are.  “As part of the herd body conditioning work that we do, we walk amongst the herd to do our evaluation. Often the cows are curious and like to come in for a rub or a pat, I enjoy that kind of contact with the animals”

There has also been its challenges.  In the beginning it was a steep learning curve as being a large animal vet is a reasonably physical job. “There are some days when you’re quite physically and mentally exhausted so that can be hard, especially when you see some reasonably difficult things, but you have to learn to deal with it” . To keep fit and strong, MacDonald keeps up with his fitness, enjoys running and has recently joined the local Hāwera squash club. Never having played racquet sports before, he plays business house squash, mostly for the social side of it. Starting in the rookie division, he is keen to devote more time too squash and eventually get graded.

Another highly successful, action packed HATA (Horticulture and Agriculture Teachers Association) Conference, supported by Sow the Seed and Ministry of Primary Industries.

Written by Catherine Bryant, July 2023

In April 2023, the HATA Conference was attended by 56 Agricultural and Horticultural Science secondary school teachers, 31 exhibitors and 29 industry speakers. Speakers included Hon. Damien O’Connor who spoke at the Conference Dinner. The four day Conference was hosted by Napier Boys’ High School.

The HATA Conference provided an opportunity for teachers to engage in workshops, partake in innovative practical activities, attend field trips relevant to their subject and explore use of technology and innovation in the Primary Industry sectors. The ‘Art Deco’ themed Conference dinner at Mission Estate was an added treat.

Travelling to Hawkes’ Bay post cyclone Gabrielle and witnessing first hand the devastation to vineyards, orchards, farms and homes of the people affected, was an emotional experience for all. Teachers, having an in-depth understanding of the importance of agriculture and horticulture to the New Zealand economy, felt the impact strongly.

During the field trips, it was evident from the latest weather events, that scientific advances in technology are playing a huge part in helping farmers rebuild from what has been lost. A trip to Landwise, a field cropping research organisation, showed the research that they are doing in their regenerative and sustainable farming projects including understanding how to work with silt.

Gannet Safaris provided a thrilling four-wheel drive bus tour across the steep farmland of Cape Kidnappers Station, the Cape Sanctuary conservation area and out to the precarious but breath-taking gannet colony. 

For a farm that is notoriously windswept, dry, and barren, it was an unprecedented beautiful still day with blue sky and lots of green grass. The farm manager explained the management practices that he must utilise on this windswept farm to ensure high-quality meat production. A feature of interest was the 11-kilometre predator fence built in 2006, which means the Cape Sanctuary is now home to an estimated 300 kiwis and another 18 different species of native birds. An amazing place to visit. 

The HATA delegates continued their ‘paddock to plate’ experience with a visit to Progressive Meats processing plant, in Hastings.  It was incredible to see the automation of machinery, making it so much safer for employees. It was also staggering to witness the practising of strict Halal protocols in such a fast paced, highly intensive work environment.

A visit to the Port of Napier was a major highlight. We were lucky enough to have the CEO Todd Dawson, join us on our bus tour around the port. Todd spoke about the Port’s new Te Whiti wharf, which opened in 2022, under budget by $173 million. Our group was privy to the secret breeding habits of the Port’s own blue penguin (kororā) colony and sanctuary. The penguin colony is looked after by the Department of Conservation in conjunction with the port Itself. 

Back at Napier Boys’ High School, a trade show exhibition was held, providing free resources, and a chance for teachers to talk directly to industry representatives. Otago, Lincoln and Massey Universities were part of the many industry and educational training speakers that attended the conference, providing invaluable training, teacher resources and lectures on farming practices. 

Key topics covered at the conference, were animal behaviour, foraging and grazing, environmental impact, soil science, grasses, guidance and understanding around mātauranga Māori and ideas on how to incorporate these principles into the teacher’s own classroom settings. Along with further horticultural exercises for the teachers to partake in, run by Massey University, the final day was topped off by a sheep carcass deboning demonstration, courtesy of Progressive Meats and followed by a BBQ lunch featuring their tasty morsels. Progressive Meats told us later, they have never had so much of the carcass go in a demonstration.

The conference was deemed highly valuable, and teacher’s felt the experience of networking, comradery, support, learning and inspiration will definitely see them back again for the next HATA Conference 2025, which will be hosted in Methven, Canterbury.