50 | Equipping cadets for farming success Farm manager Michael Benton says it is exciting to see recent graduates like Thomas Scurr and Archie Taylor excel. Kim Newth South Otago’s Jeff Farm offers motivated young people opportunities to transform their lives by learning all the practical skills needed to pursue productive farm careers. Whether wrangling stock, training working dogs, building fences or gaining experience with new technology, cadets in the farm’s immersive two-year programme gain a very thorough grounding in modern farm practice. Run on behalf of the Salvation Army, Jeff Farm has five cadets at any one time. There is plenty of scope for hands-on learning in the farm’s progressive sheep, beef and deer operation, which carries 26,000 stock units. Jeff Farm’s team is committed to supporting and mentoring cadets to achieve their potential. Farm manager Michael Benton says it is exciting to see recent graduates like Thomas Scurr and Archie Taylor excel and commence their farm careers, (at Rocklands Station and Otupae Station respectively). “When the cadets arrive here the first six months can be a challenge for them, but then the gains really start adding up,” says Michael, whose partner Tarryn also works on the farm as administrator. “It’s so rewarding to see them go on and achieve.” Michael and Tarryn are proud to be building on the legacy of the late John Chittock and his partner Liz, who together ran Jeff Farm and its training programme for 22 years. Ongoing improvement remains a core focus. Serving as the farm’s heavy lifter is a recent new addition, a Case IH Puma 220 tractor. This is the farm’s first Case IH tractor and comes fully equipped with GPS and auto-steer technology. MEAT & WOOL » Jeff Farm • to page 52 • Drainage & Excavation • Gravel & Rock Supply • Site Works • Bulk & General Earthworks • Aggregate Cartage • High Pressure Drain Cleaning • Muck Spreading Ken Adams - 027 445 5813 Craig Ross - 027 224 4880 admin@k2kontracting.co.nz K2 KONTRACTING LTD Hokonui Suzuki, 136 Main Street, Gore | Phone (03) 208-5271 or (027) 221-4178 | hokonui.suzuki@xtra.co.nz
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