A Future in Farming is Yours

Sheep and beef farming is changing, and at Otiwhiti we are committed to training young people to become the new breed of managers that the sheep and beef industries need. Farm owners are increasing their land holdings, which in turn directly affects their need for trained labour. In the sheep, beef, and dairy industries, instead of selling their land, farmers are now retaining their stock and employing farm managers. These ‘professional’ farm managers have good salary packages based on sound business and communication skills and forward thinking mindsets.

The purpose of the Otiwhiti School of Agriculture is to train students to be good hill country employees in the wider Manawatu / Rangitikei / Whanganui region. We are here to give students an opportunity to enhance and develop their skills and knowledge to become good hill country employees. This will help them to decide what employment pathways they may choose for their future in the field of agriculture.

Shepherds handling sheep on a farm with green hills in the background.

Overview

Otiwhiti School of Agriculture sits among the hills of Hunterville in the Rangitikei. The Station is an extensive sheep and beef operation bound by partnering farms in the Turakina Valley and a close-knit community, who provide work, social, sporting and mentoring opportunities for our students.

  • Two people riding horses on a grassy hill with three dogs nearby.

    Course Information

    The cadets learn skills from farmers, field instructors, tutors and any specialist person involved during the course. We put emphasis on a ‘hands on’ approach, that is, students learn best by practically applying theoretical skills learnt.

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  • A rural landscape featuring a farm at sunset with a dirt road, pickup truck, and barns surrounded by trees and hills.

    Facilities

    In 2014 “The Hood” was moved on to its existing site at Otiwhiti. Built in 1974, The Hood has been renovated and provides comfortable single-room accommodation. Cadets share a communal kitchen, lounges, bathrooms, drying room, laundry and is centrally heated.

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  • Stone entrance gate with a gravel path leading through a park surrounded by trees and greenery.

    Partner Farms

    Uniquely tailored to Otiwhiti, our educational approach focuses on equipping students with essential skills essential for employment, not only within our institution but also in various high-profile enterprises.

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A flock of sheep enclosed by a fence on a green hillside, with people and a vehicle in the background under cloudy skies.
A farm scene with a shepherd and a sheepdog herding sheep on a grassy field, with another person assisting. The background shows a cloudy sky and trees.
Off-road vehicles driving on a dirt trail in a sunny, wooded area.
Person operating a tractor in a grassy area, wearing a checkered shirt and cap.
People and dogs near a farm vehicle with dog cages, outdoor setting.
People shearing sheep in a wooden barn.
Four young people standing in a barn-like setting, dressed in casual work clothing, with shearing tools visible in the background.

For information on our application process or to contact the team, please click through below…