The PNBHS Young Farmers group promotes agricultural opportunities for young men with an interest in farming. Unfortunately, COVID-19 curtailed a number of the group's activities, but there was a good level of interest in those that did take place.
Thanks to the leadership group of Marshall Burn, James Steele, Charlie Lourie, Jordon King and Manu Didsbury for their work during the year. A highlight was the inaugural ‘Clash of the Colleges’ competition as part of the New Zealand Rural Games. This was a great opportunity for our young men to test their skills and knowledge against competitors form a range of schools in the wider region. Congratulations to the team of Ethan Campbell, Tom Collier, Matthew Rowe and Nicolas Verry, who finished second in the junior competition.
Alongside the continued strong interest in the Young Farmers group, it has been fantastic to have an increased number of subject opportunities for young men who wish to pursue a career in farming. The latest of these is the offering of Agri-Business at NCEA Level one in 2021 (it is already offered at NCEA Level Two and Level Three). This will complement Agriculture/Horticultre, which has seen growth in numbers in recent years, as well as opportunities for senior students through STAR courses, gateway and Trades Academy and work experience opportunities through the Year 13 Employment Pathways programme.
In the last few years we have also seen an increase in young men leaving school to continue their agriculture training through cadetships at Otiwhiti, Waipaoa and Pukemiro stations.