The aim of this report is to look at present initial farm training and decide whether it is preparing the trainees for work on a commercial farm. As farming profits reduce, farmers no longer have the time or money to spend putting time into the initial training of employees. Consequently there is a need for this to be done elsewhere. There is a variety of trainings available and most are drawing heavily on government funding. Their strengths and weaknesses are weighed up. I have tried to look to the future in farming and the skills that the farmer will want in his employee. This then allows me to recommend a training scenario that would provide these suitable farm workers.

The New Zealand Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme develops emerging agribusiness leaders to help shape the future of New Zealand agribusiness and rural affairs. Lincoln University has been involved with this leaders programme since 1979 when it was launched with a grant from the Kellogg Foundation, USA.