Sun shines on Stratford graduation | Taranaki News | Local News in Taranaki

FAMILY and friends gathered at the Stratford Demonstration Farm on Friday January 29 to share in the celebration and award ceremony of eight
new graduates from the Taratahi Agricultural Training Course.
The eight students have completed their studies in one or more of the
National Certificate in Agriculture level 2, 3 and 4 qualifications.
The Taranaki campus was established in 2004 in Stratford to enable local
students to remain in their region to study agriculture.
The courses have been developed to help students get the core skills needed to start a career in agriculture and students have the opportunity to specialise in either sheep and beef or dairy training.
As well as theory, all students gain essential practical experience with
chainsaws, tractors, ATVs, motorbikes, fencing, soils, water supply,
agrichemicals and many other aspects of farming.
There were a number of graduates who excelled in specific areas throughout
their course and special awards were given to the following students:
Work Experience Trophy – Alexis Housham. Tutor Trophy – Logan Tamahill. Stockmanship – Nathan Taylor. Most Improved Student – Natasha Bunting. Shearing Trophy – Nathan Taylor. Fencing Trophy – Brandon Bowring. Top Student – Logan Tamahill.
The majority of the 2009 graduates have already secured positions on local
farms or will be continuing further studies.
The Stratford campus is going from strength to strength with about 60
students currently studying a variety of Agricultural training qualifications, and
another intake due in June/July.
Agriculture is the lifeblood of the Taranaki community and Taratahi has
gained a solid reputation as one of the country’s foremost agricultural
education providers, proving that this is the place to come and learn
essential skills to start a successful career in farming.