MEDIA RELEASE - 12 FEBRUARY 2010 Once in a lifetime opportunity for South Island farmers There are a few weeks left for motivated South Island farm trainees to apply for a life-changing course. Farming to Succeed will be held in Canterbury from April 19 to 23. A maximum of 25 people from the South Island will be chosen to attend the free, intensive five-day programme run by Agriculture Industry Training Organisation (Agriculture ITO) and sponsored by dairy hygiene and animal health supplier FIL New Zealand. Farming to Succeed is open to those studying at National Certificate level three or above. A North Island course is also held in the Bay of Plenty March 15-19; applications for the North Island course have closed and there were a record number of entries, 62 for the 25 places available. Applications for the 25 places in the South Island course opened on January 27 and will close on March 1st. Entries are already rolling in. Agriculture ITO Marketing and Events coordinator Katie Abbott said the great response had been a result of encouragement from field staff and a direct mail campaign. "The secured funding from our generous sponsor FIL has also allowed us to boost numbers; previously the programme was limited to 12 participants per course. "It's a very inspiring programme that has affected many peoples lives and it's fantastic that we have been able to extend the programme so more people can have the opportunity to experience it." The sponsor has also allowed a one-day refresher course to be added for past participants. The refresher course will help people network and continue the momentum they started. The one-day refresher course will be held April 12 in the North Island. Participants for Farming to Succeed are chosen on merit and over the week will work with a group facilitator and leading agribusiness practitioners and advisers to explore the ingredients of personal achievement and business success. Topics covered include staged capital growth and asset management, successful business partnerships, career and financial development, building networks, and business and personal goal setting. Participants will also learn about some of the human factors that can affect the long-term viability of a farm, such as families, communities and networks. Waikato farmer and business owner Grant Taylor has facilitated the programme for the past seven years. He has drawn together a network of highly motivated agribusiness people to provide lively presentations in a series of interesting and varied field trips. "The programme has been extremely well received by all the previous attendees; several said they couldn't put a value on it because it was the most life-changing event in their lives," he said. The Farming to Succeed programme was previously run as Future Farmers. Employers are encouraged to recommend staff members to their Agriculture ITO adviser. The upper-age limit has been removed this year and Agriculture ITO hopes it will attract those who've made a mid-career transition into dairy or other farming. "If you've got the right attitude, it's never too late," Grant said. The course has a specific agricultural focus, but also emphasising the value of personal development and growth. Agriculture ITO's chief executive Kevin Bryant said FIL's sponsorship meant Farming to Succeed was set to become a major feature among rural personal development programmes. "Having such a practical and intensive course will open the eyes of those who attend to the possibilities of their career - and start them thinking about building sustainable, profitable businesses of their own." Forms and further details about Farming to Succeed are available at www.farmingtosucceed.co.nz and  www.fil.co.nz or by phoning Agriculture ITO 0800 691 111.   For further information contact Katie Abbott, Marketing and Events Coordinator, Agriculture ITO (04) 382 2853 Back to Press Releases