Becoming a farm manager is the goal of Aimee Rutherford (17), who grew up in the suburbs of Auckland and is studying towards a diploma in agriculture.
Anna Hamilton (18), who grew up on a lifestyle block in Rangiora, is pursuing a diploma for rural veterinary technicians, and hopes have a career in animal health as a nutrition specialist.
Annelise Dyer (22), who grew up in Henderson Valley in Auckland, is working towards a certificate in agriculture. She wants to either manage a farm or one day own a sheep and beef farm.
Bonnie Gibson (19), of Tauranga, with dogs Unit (left) and Bo, is in her second year at Telford. After she completes her diploma in agriculture she wants to get work shepherding.
Emma Harding (18), who has grown up on a lifestyle block in Tauranga, wants to travel around New Zealand working on farms after completing her certificate in agriculture. She aims one day to own a sheep and beef farm.
As the next generation of farmers passes through New Zealand's tertiary education system one thing is clear: women will play as great a role as men in one of New Zealand's most important industries in the future. Hamish MacLean met some of the women studying at Lincoln's Telford campus in Balclutha.
