Otago Polytechnic student Mikayla Simpson has been accepted into the Future Deer Farmers Experience being hosted by Deer Industry New Zealand.

Mikayla, who is studying the New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Level 3) at Otago Polytechnic’s Central Otago Campus in Cromwell, is one of only three students from throughout New Zealand to be selected.

She will attend a four-day all-expenses-paid trip to the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, from 10-13 September. She will be visiting farms, marketing companies and a workshop.

Mikayla says she hopes to gain some deeper insights into what the deer industry has to offer.

“Deer are different to work with compared to other stock. I hope the experience expands my knowledge to help me build a career in farming. It is also a great way to make contacts in the farming sector.”

Mikayla has been enjoying her farming-based studies this year.

With an emphasis on “hands-on” learning, the programme covers a wide range of skills, and has the added benefit of on-farm practical assessments, as well as work placements on high country stations.

Successful graduates of the programme gain the New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Farming Systems) (Level 3) and the New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Vehicles, Machinery and Infrastructure) (Level 3). 

“The course covers the majority of agriculture-related tasks, helping you decide which path in agriculture you wish to take,” Mikayla explains.

“It has encouraged me to stick to my path of starting shepherding once the course is finished.”

Read more about our Agriculture programmes

 

 


Published on 6 Sep 2018

Orderdate: 6 Sep 2018
Expiry: 31 Jan 2019