Young Farmer grand finalist and Lincoln University alumnus Matt McRae says a degree from Lincoln sets you up well for any job in the primary industry.
His Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture), which he completed in 2009, earned him a graduate job with the ANZ National Bank as a rural manager in his final year at Lincoln.
“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do at that stage, and as it turned out the rural manager job was a good fit. It allowed me to develop the business skills I had gained at Lincoln.”
However working on the land soon beckoned.
“I wasn’t made for a desk job though, so after three years I left to work on the family farm, which I now run with my brother.
“The skills I learned at Lincoln serve me well day to day on farm. I still have a copy of the Lincoln technical manual on hand for when new things crop up.”
He chose Lincoln because it has a “great reputation in the agricultural industry” and because of family advice.
“My older brother and cousins had attended Lincoln and had also highly recommended it.
“I think the best thing about Lincoln is that you are there with like-minded individuals from all over the country. I have a great group of friends that I made during my time there.”
He appreciated the range of subjects but in particular farm management, plant and animal science.
“Warwick Scott’s papers were always ones not to miss.
“I enjoyed the practical learning aspects and farm management field trips. It was a good way to look around farms all over the country.”
His study is also proving useful for the event.
“A broad range of knowledge is helpful for the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Competition, and the range of subjects at Lincoln helped broaden my learning.
“Attending Lincoln has definitely helped me get to where I am today,” Matt said.
Lincoln University is proud to be a sponsor for the FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition and we want to wish all the competitors good luck.
As an agriculturally-based University we have been growing careers in the sector for over 140 years.
At Lincoln we are all about growing opportunities, and Young Farmers is a great opportunity for New Zealand’s young talent to shine. We are behind the competition and behind talented young New Zealanders, supporting them every step of the way to achieving their dreams and expanding their world