Activities highlight career opportunities

On the second week of the holidays Sophia Ward, Mya Saunders and Anna Arnott participated in an four-day event sponsored by Rabobank where we had a week full of agricultural activities. 

On Monday, we visited a seed farm in Christchurch and learnt about the wheat process while also studying nitrate pH levels in the soil. The following day we went to Fonterra in Darfield where we toured the cream cheese and powdered milk factories. I was amazed at how they adapted to using technology without cutting jobs and how they utilized methane from the factory to heat it. 

Later in the day we visited a dairy farm where we had the opportunity to milk cows and also learn about the Ag-Assist app. This app is for all citizens (currently only in Canterbury) wanting a job in agriculture. The farmers can put a job up and you can click and apply for it! 

On Wednesday we visited Oakley’s which is a potato farm where we learnt about their storage and sorting process. We were even given a fee box of potatoes! We then headed off to Lincoln New World where we learned how their unpacking process works. To finish off the day, we walked to Lincoln University for a tour and explanation of their courses and some fun activities. 

On the last day we went down to a sheep and beef farm where we saw a Huntaway and Heading dog in work. We got to watch a sheep being sheared and a short explanation on wool. Our very last activity was going to the NZ Merino Co. We heard about the importance of wool and everything that it’s used for including the environmental impact that the Merino Co are making. We had the opportunity to listen to a graduate panel talk about career, the different degree opportunities and where you can go from graduation.

Overall this was an amazing experience where you can meet lifelong friends and like-minded students. It is an opportunity to see if going into the Agri industry is the career path for you and to have some fun! This camp is over four days and three nights with all meals and packed lunches included, not to mention that there is no cost to the camp, thanks to the sponsors, Rabobank. This camp is super organised. I learned so much and met some amazing people. I highly recommend you all to come along next year if Agri is something your interested in!