Agriculture (Level 4)
Take charge of your farming future with our flexible, work-based programme.
Get hands-on with real farming experience while building the skills New Zealand’s live and dry stock sectors rely on.
This flexible, work-based programme has been developed in partnership with Growing Future Farmers and working farmers across New Zealand. It is ideal for those who want to step confidently into farming roles with more responsibility.
*Please note, NZQA approval is still pending for this course.
Why study with us?
You’ll gain the skills and confidence to:
- Use farm tech and communication tools to coordinate agribusiness activities
- Monitor farm performance and produce management reports
- Take charge of farm equipment maintenance and environmental planning
- Implement and oversee livestock health, feeding and production plans—tailored to breeding or non-breeding operations.
How will I learn?
Blended learning that works for you:
- Learn on the job while attending one online night class per week
- Align what you’re doing on-farm with expert-led theory and insight
- Receive academic guidance from an Ignite tutor and pastoral care from Growing Future Farmers
- Technology-driven learning, gets you familiar with tools like FarmIQ to build skills that modern farm leaders need.
Who can enrol?
This programme is ideal for:
- Experienced farm workers with at least 3 years of practical experience or a relevant Level 3 qualification
- Current employees on sheep, beef, or deer farms ready to move into supervisory roles.
What you’ll learn:
- Production Planning – health, breeding and feeding
- Technology to coordinate daily tasks
- Routine maintenance
- The ability to compare farm operations, create farm management reports and farm environment planning
Register your interest
Fill in the form below to register your interest. We’ll contact you as soon as intake dates become available.
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What’s the difference between the Breeding and Non-Breeding (Dry Stock) strands?
The Breeding strand focuses on managing livestock reproduction, including breeding plans and animal health. The Non-Breeding strand focuses on managing dry stock operations without the reproductive component.
How is the programme delivered?
It’s a blended programme, combining online night classes with on-the-job learning.
How much time will I need to commit each week?
Expect to commit around 14–16 hours per week. This time will be divided between your online sessions (2 hours) and other practical, self-directed activities whilst you work.
Do I need to be working on a farm to enrol?
Yes. You must be employed on a sheep, beef, or deer farm for the duration of the programme so you can apply your learning in a real-world setting.
What kind of support will I get?
You’ll receive academic support from an Ignite tutor and pastoral support from the Growing Future Farmers team, including three farm visits per year. You may also be connected with community support groups like Rural Support Trust services.
Can I do this programme if I’m not based in a rural area?
As long as you’re employed on a qualifying farm and have internet access for the online components, you can complete this programme from anywhere in New Zealand.
Is this programme right for me?
This programme is suitable for students with a relevant level 3 qualification or for those who have been employed on a sheep, beef, or deer farm for a minimum 3 years.
Farmers and farm workers are responsible for managing livestock, crops and rural land to produce food, wool and other agricultural goods. They play a crucial role in New Zealand’s economy and their work is essential to feeding both local and international markets.
Farming is a major contributor to New Zealand’s GDP, with the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector employing over 143,000 people as of 2021. While overall employment in farming has remained steady, there’s increasing demand for more specialised, higher-skilled roles, especially in farm management and agribusiness.
New Zealand’s livestock sector is particularly renowned globally. We are one of the world’s largest exporters of lamb and beef and innovations in sustainable farming, genetics and agritech are helping maintain our competitive edge.
What makes a great farm worker or livestock manager?
While many people grow up on farms and learn the ropes from an early age, formal training is becoming more important as the sector evolves. A passion for the outdoors and animals is essential, but so are skills in planning, communication and technology.
Some key traits include:
- Strong practical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Resilience and a strong work ethic
- Knowledge of animal welfare, nutrition and health
- Good communication and decision-making skills
- Physical fitness and the ability to work outdoors in all conditions
- Confidence using tools, machinery and digital farming systems.
Employment opportunities
Job prospects in livestock farming are good, especially in rural and remote regions where there’s often a shortage of skilled farm workers. With aging workforces and increased demand for succession planning, there’s a growing need for young people to step into supervisory and management roles.
Opportunities exist across a variety of farm types including:
- Sheep and beef farms
- Deer farms
- Mixed livestock and cropping operations
- Agribusinesses and farming cooperatives
- Agricultural contracting companies.
There is also increasing demand for qualified farm managers who can run day-to-day operations, implement breeding and health plans and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
