Diploma in Agriculture

Diploma in Agriculture student George Naylor wanted a formal qualification to add to his farming background, but didn’t want to spend three years studying to get it.

George says Lincoln’s reputation in agricultural studies and the fact they offered a practical one-year diploma were the main factors in his decision to study there.

“I knew that Lincoln had a well-established and successful track record in the agricultural industry, and that their qualifications had a practical grounding, which are obviously huge advantages for anyone wanting to study agriculture there,” he says.

“I really liked the idea of a more hands-on learning experience and getting out of the classroom and into the field.”

As part of his practical requirement for the diploma, George completed a year’s work experience mustering on a sheep and beef farm in West Otago, and says it was a great opportunity to gain further confidence and skills on the job.

“Getting out on the farm and learning by doing is the best way to educate yourself. I’m hoping to continue with sheep and beef farming up north after I finish at Lincoln, so it was great to be working directly in the industry I plant to continue in,” he says.

George says the most interesting aspect of his studies is learning about the new and innovative technology being developed for farmers and the ways in which it is able to assist farm production.

“The field trips really open your mind,” he says. “You can see first-hand how farms in New Zealand are able to adapt and operate in very different environments using technology.”

George says Lincoln’s communal campus has made him feel welcome, and he has enjoyed settling into university life and making new friends.

“On your first day at Lincoln, you quickly realise you’re not the only one, and you soon make great mates,” he says.