A Guide to How Studying Agriculture and Farming is Promising in New Zealand

New Zealand is an exotic destination and a country with a unique culture and stunning natural environment. It also offers endless possibilities for fun and adventures. The education offered by universities in New Zealand is acknowledged for its high standards and quality. Studying in New Zealand doesn’t only mean education but also an opportunity to explore the country’s unique culture and its wide variety of flora and fauna. The country is also open to various religious beliefs, abilities, ethnic groups, and income levels.

New Zealand is one of the safest places one can choose for studies. It follows the UK study model and has affordable fees. The quality of education offered by universities in New Zealand has also been verified by international tests. Being a student in New Zealand also provides an opportunity to enjoy the friendliness of the people there and experience various fun and outdoor activities like hiking, scuba diving, ice climbing, etc.

New Zealand offers a variety of courses to choose from. One of the courses is Agriculture and Farming in New Zealand, which is a bachelor’s degree. Now you might be wondering how to fulfil your dream of studying this course in New Zealand. Worry not when one of the best immigration consultancies is here with you. Derrick Jones is one of the best immigration consultants and helps you find the best course to help you achieve your dream of settling in New Zealand. They will fulfil your dream of studying, working, and settling in New Zealand. So, getting an agricultural degree in New Zealand is possible with Derrick Jones.

The agriculture course is done by the students to research and develop innovative ideas for the development of agriculture globally. For anyone who is looking to have a degree in agriculture, joining New Zealand would be the best option for them. New Zealand’s agricultural sector offers a wide range of opportunities for both local and international job seekers. The country has developed a strong reputation for providing quality education in this field, with a rich history in the agricultural industry. New Zealand farming courses offer students hands-on experience through frequent farm visits, case studies, and research centres.

The benefits of studying agriculture in New Zealand are as follows:

• The cost of studying in New Zealand is relatively low compared to other countries.
• The locals in New Zealand are known for their friendliness, warmth, and kindness towards overseas visitors.
• There are globally recognised qualifications.
• Students can even work part-time while studying.
• Studying in New Zealand is worth it because of the quality of the education and its international reputation.

Major subjects in agriculture

The major subjects in agriculture are:

Biology: Biology is the scientific study of life that helps us understand the living world and the ways its many species function, evolve and interact.

Environmental Science: Environmental science is an academic field that integrates physical, biochemical, and information sciences into the study of the environment. It also discovers solutions to environmental problems.

Chemistry: Chemistry studies the compositions, structures, and properties of matter.

Economics: Economics focuses on the production, consumption, and distribution of goods and services. They also analyse the choices made by individuals, governments, and others to allocate resources.

Business and Management: Coordination and administration of business activities to achieve a set objective are the responsibilities of business and management.

The skills and qualifications

The skills and qualifications needed in the field of agriculture are:

Should be a quick learner: There are several new farming methods and technologies emerging every day. One should be able to grasp every single piece of information relating to agriculture. One should be able to adapt to the different aspects of farming quickly.

Communication: You should have the ability to interact with others. You should be able to give and receive information.

Time management: You should be able to complete your tasks within a set period of time. Good time management also indicates that you are organized.

Assertiveness: When you are confident in your work and are not afraid to be held accountable for anything, you are assertive. Being assertive also means you can express your opinion and contribute to everything.

Problem-solving skills: farming requires strong problem-solving skills. Employees should have the ability to analyse a situation and identify possible solutions.

Branches of agriculture

Now let’s discuss different branches of agriculture. Some of the most popular branches are agricultural engineering, agricultural economics, animal husbandry, horticulture, agronomy, and dairy farming.

Agricultural engineering: Agricultural engineering is also a branch of engineering that is concerned with the design, construction, and improvement of farming equipment and machinery. The main purpose of agricultural engineering is to improve the adequacy and suitability of agricultural methods.

Agricultural economics: Agricultural economics is that branch of agricultural science that deals with how mankind uses knowledge and scarce resources to produce food and fibre and distribute them for society’s consumption. Agricultural economics involves where products are consumed, developed, financed, grown, and marketed.

Animal husbandry: Animal husbandry is concerned with animals that are raised for meat, fibre, milk, or other products. It provides adequate food, shelter, and protection for domestic animals. The benefits of animal husbandry for farmers are higher profits, increased offspring survival, and better growth.

Horticulture: The branch of agriculture that deals with growing plants that are used by people for food, medicinal purposes, and aesthetic gratification is called horticulture. Horticulture impacts all of us daily. It provides nutritious fruits and vegetables, offers visual enjoyment, and promotes recreational activities.

Agronomy: The branch of agriculture that is concerned with field crop production and soil management is called agronomy. By conserving natural resources and protecting the environment, agronomy considers how to grow crops effectively and profitably.

Dairy farming: New Zealand is also a perfect place to pursue a career in dairy farming given the country’s history of more than 200 years in the field. Dairy farming is a branch of agriculture that encompasses the breeding, raising, and utilisation of dairy animals, primarily cows, for the production of milk and the various dairy products processed from it. The main objective of dairy farming is to ensure that the highest expectations of the food industry and consumers will be satisfied by the safety and quality of their raw milk.

Agriculture careers in New Zealand provide many advantages, such as competitive pay rates, job security, and the chance to have an impact on your community.

The agricultural workforce in New Zealand is diverse. During the working holiday across the entire country, backpackers can find seasonal work. Agriculture is the primary source of employment in rural areas.

New Zealand is also good for farming, as its fertile soil is great for growing fruits and vegetables. The largest farms in New Zealand are livestock farms. 93% of these farms are owner-managed. Some of the farm work is milking cows, calf rearing, or general farm work such as repairing fences.

Livestock farming provides good income to farmers. Domesticated animals will be raised in an agricultural setting to provide labour and also to produce diversified products for human consumption, such as meat, eggs, milk, fur, leather, and wool. Livestock farming supports sustainable rangeland management, preserves wildlife, and enhances soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and soil moisture retention.

In New Zealand, farm workers earn an average of NZ$43,522 gross per year. An entry-level agriculturist (1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of $67,084.  The average salary of a senior-level agriculturist (8+ years of experience) is $116,535.

The graduates that are studying at Lincoln University in New Zealand get a lot of skills that are transferable directly to the workplace. To provide students with work experience with potential employers during their study, Lincoln staff work with industry employers. Employers want graduates with strong ethics. Employers value those who have a professional attitude towards their work.

All the above details show how important agriculture is in New Zealand and how promising it is to have an agriculture and farming career in New Zealand.