Canterbury Camp Inspires Next Generation in Ag

Rabobank Farm2Future students, taking part in the 2025 programme at Rakaia Island Dairy Farm. Supplied.

Rural education for young urbanites in Canterbury will return for a ninth year this winter, with applications now open for the 2026 Rabobank Farm2Future camp.

The free three-day, two-night programme gives 25 Year 12 students the opportunity to explore the many career pathways available across New Zealand’s food and fibre sector, from farming and food production to consulting, sustainability, and agribusiness leadership.

Organised by Lincoln University Future Leader Scholars and sponsored by Rabobank New Zealand, the camp was originally developed by a former Lincoln student as a final-year tertiary project.

“This has been the real strength of the project, the student leadership,” said the head of Lincoln’s Future Leader Scholarship Programme, Ilse von Hirschberg.

Participants will visit leading agribusinesses, farms, and food manufacturers across Canterbury, gaining firsthand insight into the diverse roles supporting the industry.

“There are so many career opportunities in the food and fibre sector, but our Year 12 students are often not well informed about what those look like,” von Hirschberg said.

“We take them through the whole supply chain.”

Industry visits this year will include PGG Wrightson, Zentera Wool Company (formerly NZ Merino), Rakaia Island Dairy Farm, Original Foods, and Sudeley Angus.

Students will also have the chance to speak with professionals working in areas ranging from emissions planning to consultancy and business operations.

“It’s not just about being on the farm,” von Hirschberg said. “There’s a whole network of people behind us.”

The programme aims to strengthen understanding between urban and rural communities, encouraging more young people to consider careers in agriculture and agribusiness.

“It’s not about getting people into university,” von Hirschberg said. “It’s about getting young people into agriculture.”

Student project lead Sam Fry said participants could expect “a cool couple of days exploring agribusinesses," gaining insight into the wide breadth of opportunities within the sector.

Fry attended the camp herself as a Year 12 student, and said the experience has shaped her future direction.

“This camp really solidified me wanting to study at Lincoln, and work in the agricultural sector,” she said.

“I’m most looking forward to getting to know the kids coming in, and hearing what they’ve learned by the end,” Fry told the Guardian.

“For urban kids like myself, it can really open your eyes to new opportunities.”

While the programme is aimed at urban students with limited exposure to agriculture, the camp is also open to rural students already familiar with the sector, who wanted to explore different farming systems and career pathways.

The 2026 Farm2Future camp will run from July 7–9 during the school holidays in Canterbury. Applications close at 5pm on Monday, June 1, 2026.