20 March, 2020

The TAFE NSW Primary Industries Centre (PIC) is putting the next generation of farming leaders in the driver’s seat – literally – as part of a unique partnership with leading agricultural equipment company Case IH.

CASE IH presented TAFE NSW students and teachers with a state-of-the-art Farmall 105C tractor which forms part of an ongoing partnership that aims to arm students with up-to-date skills on the latest mechanical technology.

It comes as a report by the United Nations revealed global food production would have to increase by 70 per cent by 2050 to meet surging global demand, a target that relies on improvements in on-farm production.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Agriculture Rob Harris said the partnership illustrated how TAFE NSW works with industry to ensure the best possible learning outcomes for students.

“This is a great example of how TAFE NSW works hand in glove with industry partners like Case IH to ensure our students are equipped with the job-ready skills that employers are looking for,” Mr Harris said.

“This donation will ensure TAFE NSW continues to deliver graduates that are highly employable and future leaders in their industry.”

An ongoing, successful training program has been delivered by TAFE NSW to CASE IH/New Holland apprentices since 2016.

CASE IH ANZ General Manager Pete McCann said the company was proud to play its part in helping shape the skills and knowledge of future farming leaders

“We understand the commitment of TAFE NSW to deliver agricultural education and to provide students with as much practical experience as possible,” Mr McCann said.

“So this latest partnership is another perfect fit for us, and to see the agriculture students getting hands-on experience behind the wheel of one of our versatile Farmall 105C’s is particularly satisfying.

“We recognise that we need to be doing what we can to encourage and support the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders, so this donation of machinery, in conjunction with our dealer Intersales, is a practical means of doing this.

“It’s also a way of familiarising students with the suite of new technologies at their fingertips, and which are changing the face of our farming future.”

To find out more about studying agriculture at TAFE NSW, phone 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au/courses/agriculture-courses.

Media contact: Daniel Johns, TAFE NSW Media and Communications – Business Partner, 6938 1441, mobile 0477 722 428.