More to Agriculture ITO than agriculture courses Jenna Milne Twenty-two year old Jenna Milne from Edendale said the Bound to Succeed course she did this year, sponsored by Agriculture ITO and FIL was a 'once in a lifetime experience'. Jenna has worked as a PGG Wrightson technical field representative for five years. An Agriculture ITO course in rural servicing was offered to her as a way to get a better understanding of the industry she worked in. "I'm really glad I did it, it gave me a good base understanding that ties in well with my job." Jenna's position as a field representative takes her all over central Southland and a good part of eastern Southland. Her tasks include things like recommending the best farming products, checking up on brassica crops she has put in seed, giving advice on what grasses would best suit land conditions, or what drench is best for stock. Jenna also completed several agrichemical courses and is keen to do more in the future. "It's good to have something to keep working towards and something to show at the end of it," Jenna said. "And it's more qualifications, which is great." The rural servicing course involved fencing, animal health, and management skills, such as managing store audits. "Studying the course in Christchurch also gave the chance to meet other PGG Wrightson staff and put faces to the names." The learning programmes haven't been Jenna's only contact with Agriculture ITO. With sponsorship from FIL, she and 26 others involved in Agriculture ITO courses participated in the 21-day Outward Bound course from May 11 to 31 in Anakiwa, Marlborough Sounds. The course is designed to push young people to their limits and determine their future direction. It involves sailing, kayaking, bush and navigation. "It really made me see I could go further than the boundaries I set for myself." Jenna's course involved a three night solo in the bush, providing time to reflect on her experiences and the future steps she may take. She also completed several hikes and three days on a cutter at sea, and a half marathon at the end. "Part of what we had to do on our solo was write feedback on our 13 watch mates, both positive and what they could improve on. It was hard because you get to know them all really well." Jenna said the course was a once in a lifetime experience, but she would be unlikely to do one again. "Not because it was hard, but because I had such amazing time with my group the first time that it would be hard to live up to. "I'm very grateful, to Agriculture ITO and the other sponsors. It was an awesome experience and I had the best time." Back to Press Releases