Gain practical business skills to confidently grow and manage a successful smaller scale farming or agri-business operation. This flexible online programme is designed for people owning or managing a farm, including share milkers or contractors, with real-world learning you can apply directly to your business.
Course Details
Whether you’re looking to step into sharemilking, run your own farming operation, or strengthen the farm you already manage, this flexible online programme is designed to help you move forward with confidence.
Created specifically for people working in farming and agri-business, you’ll gain practical business knowledge and real-world skills that can be applied directly to your operation — from managing finances and cashflow to understanding industry specific compliance & legislation, employing staff, planning for growth, and promoting your business in a competitive rural industry.
Learn from experienced small business owners who understand the realities of farming life in Aotearoa - the seasonal demands, long days, tight margins, and challenges that come with running a rural business. You’ll also connect with other like-minded farmers and agri-business owners through our online learning community, creating opportunities to share ideas, build networks, and support each other along the way.
Study online when it suits your schedule - whether that’s around mating, rearing, milking, or harvesting. Our purpose-built online platform allows you to learn at your own pace while applying what you learn directly to your own business. Through practical assignments and farming-focused case studies, you’ll develop plans and strategies tailored to your goals and operation.
Throughout the programme, you’ll receive guidance and feedback from experienced agri-business professionals who understand what it takes to run a successful farming business. By investing in this programme, you’ll gain the confidence, skills, tools, and industry connections needed to improve profitability, grow your operation, and build a stronger future for your business.
You will learn:
The fundamental and operational requirements of setting up a small agriculture and farming business to succeed
How to structure and create business and marketing plans to reach promote your services, building a strong client base
Management of finances, agriculture and farming specific compliance requirements and sources for support and funding
How to identify barriers to your businesses development and how to overcome them
How to build and maintain stakeholder relationships and navigate networking opportunities
Business growth strategies to ensure you see tangible advancements in your business
Techniques on how to review, evaluate and adjust your business plans as it grows including hiring of staff
Invaluable insights from experienced small agri-business owners and tips shared from your fellow entrepreneur classmates
This programme runs for 36 weeks part-time and is delivered through our flexible learning platform.
Study online when it suits your schedule - whether that’s around mating, rearing, milking, or harvesting. Our purpose-built online platform allows you to learn at your own pace while applying what you learn directly to your own business.
Graduates who complete this programme will strengthen and grow their existing farming or rural business through improved financial management, business planning, staff management, compliance knowledge, and operational decision-making.
Open Entry
Domestic applicants with English as a second language may need to demonstrate sufficient English language capability.
This programme is currently only offered to domestic students.
FEES FREE STUDY To find out if you are eligible for Fees Free study please find out more here or visit the Inland Revenue page on Fees Free.
STUDENT LOANS If you meet certain conditions you can get a student loan and allowances. Find out if you meet the conditions by calling StudyLink on Freephone 0800 88 99 00 or visit www.studylink.govt.nz.
COURSE COSTS Domestic Students
Campus Course Costs: $3,472
Student Services Levy: $100
Access to a computer or laptop, a microphone, and a reliable internet connection.