Taylor says she spent lots of time helping her parents on the farm while she was growing up. “I liked the physical outdoor work and working with the animals. It became a passion for me and made me want to pursue a career in agriculture.”
Taylor first heard about Telford through friends. “I had heard lots of positive things, especially how supportive and friendly the tutors and staff are.” She also looked at social media to check out the student activities.
“The social media pages gave me a good look into what life at Telford was like and the sort of practical learning they offered. It definitely helped influence my decision and made me more interested in studying there.”
“I liked how Telford offered a great balance of practical learning and classroom work, which suits the way I learn.” Also, the chance to explore a new part of the country, learn different farming skills and styles, and to start a new chapter in her life, was appealing as well.
Taylor aimed to be well-prepared at Telford for working in the agriculture industry. “I wanted to build the practical skills needed to work on farm, while also gaining confidence in the computer and administrative side (the behind-the-scenes work) in farm management.”
“Studying at Telford definitely met those expectations,” she says; the mix of hands-on learning and classroom work hit the mark.
In her first year Taylor completed the Certificate in Farming Systems and Equipment, and in year two she completed the Massey Diploma in Agriculture.
“Across the two years I learned about a wide range of topics, including animal health and husbandry, pasture and crop management, soil management, and agricultural engineering.” Farm management was also covered: feed budgeting, livestock reconciliations, gross margins, cash flows, and looking at case studies around leasing land, share farming, and cash cropping.
“The courses were very practical, which meant I could apply what I was learning straight away. The knowledge and skills I gained have helped me build confidence working on farm and given me a better understanding of both the practical and management side of running a farm.”
Taylor acknowledges that staying for the second year of study - the Dip Ag - challenged and extended her, learning all the aspects of farm management, including animal welfare and food crops, to the technical side of feed budgets and cash flows.
“With support from the tutors and other students I was able to practice what we learnt in class. When I could see how everything connected, it all clicked for me.”
“Telford itself is a really close-knit community — it felt like a second family. From staff to tutors, everyone gets along and helps each other out, which made the whole learning experience even better.”
Taylor benefited from Telford by getting fully involved in student life.
“Being on the student committee, I helped organise quiz nights, the ball, and other activities, which was a great way for everyone to take a break from work and learning, come together, and have some fun.”
She also learned the responsibility of caring for and training her own dog. “I helped out and even attended some of the local Collie Club dog trials in the area, to practice what I’d learned and connect with others who share the same interest.”
“Getting involved in these activities helped me build skills, make friends, and develop relationships that have been valuable both personally and for my future career in agriculture,” Taylor acknowledges.
One of the most rewarding experiences came when Taylor was invited to apply for a newly developed Summer Internship in Farm Management with global dairy company, Danone, which she was awarded, spending three months at Danone Dairy Company, near Balclutha. “It was amazing… this was an incredible opportunity where I could apply both my practical experience from dairy farming and everything I learned at Telford.”
Taylor worked alongside the Milk Supply Manager and helped manage their milk portals, which determine the milk production and manufacturing at the plant.
“In my role I was able to make improvements to some existing processes; I would visit the farmers to check their processes, assist with quality control audits, and oversaw the milk sales to other dairy companies around the district.”
The internship connected Taylor with the professional side of the agricultural industry, helping to build her understanding, where she saw how all the different parts of farming and production connect. She learned about the full milk supply chain — from farm to factory — including farmer engagement, milk sales, tanker delivery, and the computer-based side of running a large-scale operation.
“… I was able to see how the theory and practical skills I’d developed worked in a real farm setting.”
“The skills I developed at Telford, particularly in farm management, record-keeping, and working with suppliers, helped me succeed and get the most out of this experience.”
Telford helped to shape Taylor’s thinking about farming and work in general, giving her a better understanding of how all the different parts of a farm come together — from practical work with animals and crops, to business and management.
“Telford also taught me to be more confident in making decisions, solving problems, and taking initiative, whether it’s on farm, in class, or working on projects like the student committee or dog training.”
Taylor is now exploring different opportunities in the agriculture industry and is interested in pursuing a career in agri-business or working with New Zealand’s beef and lamb sectors.
She plans to continue building on the practical and management skills gained at Telford and through her internship, through seeking roles that connect farmers, production, and the wider industry.
“I see my qualifications taking me anywhere I can combine hands-on farming experience with business and management knowledge. Overall, Telford helped me think more practically, strategically, and independently, which I know will be valuable for my future in agriculture; it’s given me the confidence and skills to take the next step in my career; I’m excited to keep learning and growing as I find the path that’s right for me.”
Taylor highly recommends Telford to those thinking of studying agriculture.
“… give it your everything — it’s a great place to learn, meet people, and gain real hands-on experience. Telford offers so much variety, and it’s an amazing adventure that really prepares you for life in the industry and beyond.”