With 17,000 farm owners set to reach retirement age in the next decade, the future of New Zealand’s food and fibre sector depends on developing the next generation of farmers.
In this episode of Growing Our Future, host Blake Holgate speaks with Wendy Paul, CEO of Growing Future Farmers to learn how the programme is equipping young people with practical skills, values, and confidence to succeed in agriculture.
Wendy explains how farmers can attract, support, and retain young talent, and why investing in people is not just good for business but also essential for succession planning and the wider rural community.
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Show notes:
The Challenge of Succession
New Zealand faces a looming wave of farm transitions, with billions in farm assets set to change hands. Wendy stresses that bringing young people into farming businesses isn’t only about filling labour gaps—it’s about succession, community resilience, and ensuring knowledge is passed between generations.
The Growing Future Farmers Model
The GFF programme places young people directly into farming businesses, providing hands-on training alongside mentoring and formal qualifications. Wendy highlights that the most successful placements are built on clear strategies, strong team cultures, and a commitment from farmers to nurture - not just employ - young people.
What Farmers Can Offer Young People
From Wendy’s perspective, farmers play a vital role as mentors. Beyond teaching stockman-ship and practical skills, they provide boundaries, life lessons, and a sense of belonging. For many young people, particularly those from urban backgrounds, being welcomed into a farm team can be life-changing.
Attracting and Retaining Talent
Wendy notes that young people want more than a pay cheque—they want to feel valued and supported. Farmers who create safe, respectful, and positive environments, while offering pathways for growth, are more likely to retain motivated staff. Opportunities for continued learning, community involvement, and access to modern technology are also key draw-cards.
Technology as a Game-Changer
Digital tools are reshaping farming, making the sector more appealing to young people who value flexibility and real-time data. Wendy sees technology as not only improving productivity but also changing perceptions of farming as a lifelong career.
Success Stories
From a fencing contractor who bought his first home before 25, to a young shearer who travelled to Mongolia with Rabobank’s support, Wendy shares stories of GFF graduates who have thrived well beyond the programme. These examples show the transformative impact of farmers who choose to invest in young people’s futures.
Key Takeaway
Bringing young people into farm businesses is about much more than meeting today’s labour needs—it’s about succession, community, and the future of New Zealand agriculture. By mentoring, supporting, and empowering the next generation, farmers can leave a lasting legacy for both their businesses and the industry as a whole.
