Industry and National Drivers
Agriculture is a key driver of the national economy. The country’s wealth is dependent on attracting young people into the industry, and into the technology, science and research sectors supporting land and food research. NZ’s agricultural workforce must be skilled in understanding and using agritechnologies.
Agricultural programmes within secondary schools are often perceived as catering for students who are unlikely to progress to further tertiary study.
There is widespread concern that insufficient students are enrolling in science, engineering and technology degree programmes – with a risk that NZ may be on the cusp of losing research and engineering capability in the land-based industries.
The Tokanui Farm
AgResearch have converted a beef farm on 300+ hectares of land in the small Tokanui settlement, south of Kihikihi.
Tokanui’s primary objective is to operate a research and development farm, based on commercially sound practices to support AgResearch’s goal “to help create the future dairy industry”.
R&D activity in environmental management, productivity gains and differentiated milks is undertaken here.
Agritec Centre Establishment
Wintec along with partners Agriculture ITO, Coalition for 21st Century Schools, AgResearch and Innovation Waikato, have established an Agritec Centre on AgResearch’s new dairy conversion at Tokanui. The Centre is supported by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), who have provided establishment funding for this new education venture.
The Agritec Centre uses the high-performing, high-technology Tokanui dairy farm to deliver understanding, use and uptake of new technology. This is recognized as a major platform for productivity improvement in the industry.
“We’ve Seen the Future of Farming”
A classroom catering for a maximum of 30 students, built by Wintec’s construction students, is sited directly on the Tokanui farm. Dr Debbie Care, the Agritec Educator, prepares and packages learning resources and teaches learning modules on-farm. Dr Care is supported by multimedia developers based at Wintec. Current farm data and information is made readily available to the Agritec Centre.
The Agritec Centre offers innovative learning opportunities which allow students to engage (directly or in a virtual capacity) with a real farm – connecting their learning to real life and inspiring creative thinking about the agricultural industry and its career opportunities. This will be the Agritec Centre’s key point of difference and value.
The Agritec Centre delivers evidence-based learning resources focusing on agritechnologies and latest farm systems. These resources are made available online so that students nationwide can learn from the Tokanui Farm. This is the primary delivery mechanism for the Agritec Centre’s teachings.
On-farm experiential learning days are offered to students. Educational partnerships with industry and commercial service providers are in development to help students connect their learning to the reality of the agricultural industry. The Agritec Centre is also used as a Visitor Centre catering for commercial and industry groups, international farm delegations and the like.
