Tocal College is a national leader in agricultural training.
It recently held the last of its Open Days for 2018 and there was good interest in the full-time courses in agricultural production, stock horse breeding and training and farm supervision as well as its traineeship programs.
“We are pleased that despite the hard seasonal conditions across NSW there is still a strong sense that agriculture’s future is secure,” Tocal principal, Darren Bayley said.
“With applications accepted up until mid-December we look forward to being able to offer places to another cohort of enthusiastic and motivated young farmers and agribusiness workers.”
This optimism was also obvious during a screening of an Insight (SBS) episode on ‘Next Gen Farmers’.
“The attitude of these young people and their positivity was inspiring,” Mr Bayley said.
“Tocal was mentioned a number of times on this national program as a source of training to equip young farmers for the future.
“In fact, one of the studio guests was ex-student, Maddy Colemen, who purchased her own property just at the onset of the drought.”
In addition to Tocal’s full-time courses and diploma, this Sydney born, non-generational farmer has continued to learn including a course in regenerative farming.
“As for me, I’m chewing at the bit for the season to turn around,” Miss Colemen said.
“If I could give any advice to a young person wanting to enter agriculture – it is beyond exciting, a constant learning curve and no two days are ever the same.
“It can be testing and hard work but extremely rewarding.”
Miss Colemen will also be a guest speaker, along with other inspiring ex-students, at Tocal’s upcoming Foundation Day celebration.
“Tocal shares the excitement for agriculture’s future,” Mr Bayley said.
“Not only are we a major provider of agricultural training, but we are also fortunate to have more than 2200 hectares of farm land dedicated to a variety of enterprises.
“These include a commercial Brangus herd, commercial dairy and a free range egg farm.
“It also has a lucrative and nationally respected Australian Stock Horse herd plus demonstration Dohne sheep flock.
“Students see the reality of farming through all its cycles plus work through real life, problem solving scenarios.”
- Visit: www.tocal.nsw.edu.au.