Register for the Beefing It Up Youth Workshop
Are you a young person passionate about agriculture and ready to dive into the heart of New Zealand’s beef industry? Beefing It Up is an immersive workshop tailored for aspiring agricultural professionals aged 18–35. Whether you’re curious about genetics, sustainable farming, or building a rewarding career in agriculture, this event promises rich insights, expert guidance, and invaluable connections.
A One-of-a-Kind Learning Experience
Set against the scenic backdrop of coastal hill country and meticulously managed farmland, participants will embark on a two-day journey through two of New Zealand’s most progressive and award-winning beef farming operations: Matariki Terraces and Ongaha Station.
What to Expect:
- Learn from the Best: Hear directly from renowned beef producers who are setting the benchmark in genetics, herd management, and premium beef finishing systems.
- Breeding & Genetics: Unpack how today’s breeding decisions and bull selections influence long-term profitability and herd performance.
- Career Pathways: Explore an exciting range of roles in farming, agribusiness, research, and ag-tech that are shaping the future of the beef industry.
- Sustainability & Innovation: Witness how environmental stewardship, waterway restoration, and innovative practices are driving both productivity and ecological health.
- Networking & Growth: Build strong connections with industry leaders, mentors, and peers that could shape your journey in agriculture.
Farm Visits: A Deep Dive into Excellence
Matariki Terraces – Homewood
Hosted by George and Sarah Tatham, Matariki Terraces is a diversified sheep, beef, and cropping enterprise. A fifth-generation farmer, George brings deep industry insight as a former Beef + Lamb New Zealand director, while Sarah contributes her knowledge as a local district nurse. This visit will focus on aligning feeding strategies and genetics to optimise profitability, with detailed discussions around breeding objectives and bull selection.
Ongaha Station – Wairarapa
Spanning 580 hectares, Ongaha Station is helmed by Shane and Lynette McManaway, only the second owners in its 175-year history. With an ethos rooted in positive team culture and ecological harmony, Ongaha combines high-performance cattle finishing systems with progressive cropping and irrigation. Highlights include:
- A tour of Ongaha’s Angus trading system aimed at meeting market premiums.
- Exploration of career opportunities and systems thinking in modern agriculture.
- A walk through their sustainability triumphs, including 75,000 native trees planted and an 11.3-hectare restored wetland, home to endangered bird species.
As Shane aptly puts it,
“Your attitude determines your altitude, and at Ongaha, we want to fly high.”
Event Details
- Date: 17–18 July 2025
- Venue: Copthorne Hotel, Masterton
- Cost: $80 per person (includes accommodation, transport, and meals)
- Who Can Attend: Open to all youth aged 18–35 with an interest in agriculture—this is not a breed-specific event.
Day 1: Begins with registration at 8:30am at the Copthorne Hotel, followed by a farm tour of Matariki Terraces. The day wraps up with a relaxed networking dinner (guest speaker TBC).
Day 2: Delegates will travel to Ongaha Station to explore real-world agricultural systems and career development, finishing the day at 3.30pm back at the Copthorne Hotel.
A Collaborative Event
This unique opportunity is brought to you by Generation Angus (New Zealand Angus Youth) in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim, whose support ensures that future leaders in agriculture are equipped and inspired.
Ready to beef up your knowledge and connect with like-minded agri-leaders?
Don’t miss out—register today and take your first step toward a thriving future in the beef industry!
APPLY HERE
CLICK HERE
