waigrad2011

Hundreds of families, farmers, agri-business professionals and supporters along with academic and farming staff packed out the Masterton Town Hall yesterday to celebrate a year of hard work, challenges and achievement by more than one hundred Taratahi students.

“Our graduates are proud to have completed this first step in their agricultural careers. Many of them will return to complete a second year of study with us, some have secured positions on farm and some will continue with agricultural study at university. We know that they leave us with an excellent set of practical skills backed up with the knowledge to make good decisions on-farm. Equally importantly their passion for farming and positive attitudes will make them an asset to the industry,” said Taratahi Chief Executive Donovan Wearing.

Mavis Mullins, Director of Paewai Mullins Shearing Ltd, addressed the audience, telling her own story from her beginnings as a young rousabout in her family’s woolshed, through her academic achievements at university and the rise of her own agricultural business. She honoured the achievements of both students and staff.

“Taratahi has such an important role to play. It’s a team effort – people like you will be the backbone of the primary sector. Thank you for choosing agriculture as a life pathway – we need more of you, we need that vital energy,” said Mullins.

A total of 108 first and second year full-time students graduated and Mullins awarded over thirty trophies and scholarships at the ceremony.

The Taratahi Cup for Best Overall Student went to Ashley des Landes from the Franklin District. He also took the National Bank Cup for Top Dairy Student Level 3, Federated Farmers (Wairarapa) Management Prize and the Wrightson Cup Best Wire Work. The Bank of New Zealand Cup for Top Sheep Student Level 3 went to Cameron Dallas , the Landcorp Farming Ltd Top Level 4 Sheep Student was Elly Price and the Semex NZ Ltd Top Level 4 Dairy Student was Joshua Millard.

Top First Year Student, Ashley des Landes Top Second Year Students - Josh Millard (Dairy), Elly Price (Sheep)

Agricultural Industry Welcomes Taratahi Graduates 2011

8 December 2011