Having completed agricultural seasons in both New Zealand and Australia, James Tighe started Agribridge to help young farmers travel, gain practical experience and discover different farming systems around the world.
Last season, they helped approximately 50 candidates travel to New Zealand and Australia.
“There is a wide range of agricultural opportunities available in New Zealand. We primarily partner with agricultural contractors across grass harvesting and baling, cultivations, tillage and grain harvesting," he said.
"Many candidates also work in New Zealand’s dairy sector. These farms commonly milk between 600 and 1,000 cows and maintain exceptional standards of efficiency and management, offering a valuable learning experience for anyone interested in large-scale dairy operations,” said James.
In Australia, they mainly place candidates in grain-harvesting roles, as well as with agricultural contractors involved in grass work.
“Both countries offer excellent opportunities for young people to develop skills, experience new farming systems and build international connections,” he added.
Lived experience
Adam Cunniffe from Craughwell, Co Galway, spent a season in New Zealand after contacting Agribridge in mid-September.
He landed in New Zealand on 14 October last year.
“My background at home has always been in construction with my father. I’ve always had great interest in machinery and have been giving family members help around their farm from a young age when I could.
“James had me in contact with a contractor that suited my interest and it made the whole process very easy, no worries about not having work before you go is a massive bonus.
“I ended up going to Hardegger Ag in Isla Bank, which is not far from Invercargill on the South Island.
"They mostly run a big contracting fleet consisting of all Fendt tractors and two McHale fusion balers, a full fleet of cultivation equipment, grass equipment for baling, straw baling outfit, etc.
“They also ran a big dairy enterprise, but I was not involved in that side of the business. I learned a lot working on all the different jobs within the contracting business. The variety was brilliant.”
For anyone looking at working abroad, Adam has the following advice.
“Going abroad is a brilliant experience for any young person to see how things are done differently across the world and seeing the way others live. Meeting new people is also a great opportunity. I’d highly advise any young person to go and take the opportunity if possible.”
