Inspiring Youth Today into Farming Tomorrow
There’s a special sort of energy at the East Coast Farming Expo, especially when it comes to youth.
Every year organiser Sue Wilson ensures there is plenty to engage, inspire and educate the next generation of farmers, with an even bigger offering for 2026 with Thursday officially ‘youth day’.
“The East Coast has long attracted shepherds who are starting out because of its good challenging country that offers plenty of work for their dogs and lots of camaraderie,” says Mrs Wilson.
The two-day mid-week Expo, being held at the Wairoa Racecourse on February 18-19, is the perfect place for youngsters to look, learn and try their hands at all manner of things.
It’s free entry for agri-students from schools and cadet training farms in Hawke’s Bay, Wairoa and Gisborne who are encouraged to attend and take part where they can.
Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer of the Year Chloe Butcher-Herries (Ngāti Mahanga, Waikato-Tainui) is one of the seminar speakers on Thursday. Ms Butcher-Herries grew up in Hawke’s Bay and long dreamt of being a farmer. Her deep connection with the whenua drives her passion for working on the land and she’s always keen to inspire the next generation to follow her lead.
A panel discussion featuring Rex Newman, head of agriculture from Napier Boys’ High School, Growing Future Farmers Tairāwhiti manager Taryn Helm, Farmer Time for Schools coordinator Marie Burke, and Kiwi Country Kids’ Sally Newall who will explore the opportunities available, future workforce requirements and how best to inspire and support the next generation of farmers.
Ms Helm says there is plenty of momentum within Growing Future Farmers. “There is a genuine sense of pride across the country in what we are building together rand the direction we are heading,” she says. “The Expo really captures that energy. It is such a valuable space where industry, educators, farmers, trainers and students all come together. It is not just about showcasing what is out there but also about sharing ideas, learning from each other and building those relationships that strengthen the sector as a whole.”
It is a similar story from Marie Burke from Farmer Time. “Our involvement with the Expo couldn’t be timelier, especially given its strong focus on inspiring the next generation,” she says. “Our aim is to engage, educate and inspire students from early primary to the intermediate years when many are beginning to consider potential careers.”
Sally Newell is also a part of the Farmer Time initiative but also setting up an on farm learning facility at her Patoka property in Hawke’s Bay where children will have the opportunity to learn all about farming.
“There used to be a better connection with farming but now fewer kids are growing up on farms and less get to go and stay on family farms during holidays,” says Ms Newell.
She’s been sharing their daily farm life on social media for the last five years but says the focus now is getting children onto farms to see things with their own eyes.
“It is important to capture kids at primary school age and get them interested in learning and caring for animals and the natural world. Creating that meaningful connection is important for the future of our industry.”
A dedicated fencing hub across both days of the Expo has professionals on hand to teach correct fencing techniques to agri-students and others keen to improve their skills.
“This practical training supports employability and contributes to a strong foundation for future farming careers,’ says Mrs Wilson.
The popular Rural News Cadet Challenge at 1pm on Thursday will see teams of three go head to head chasing cash prizes and the much-coveted trophy.
Master dog triallist Guy Peacock will be doing working dog demos on both days of the Expo from 11am. “This is great for younger shepherds who can learn some great tips for training their hunterways or heading dogs from a real expert.”
Mrs Wilson says the Expo is filled with so much that will engage youngsters. “We want to inspire them to take that step into the industry.”
