Looking to gain practical agricultural experience with a big adventure thrown in?
Every year, NFYFC (in partnership with C Alma Baker Trust) sponsor two YFC members to take the trip of a lifetime — a six-month working placement at Limestone Downs, an extensive sheep, cattle and dairy farm on New Zealand’s North Island, 90 minutes from Auckland.
Age to Participate: 20 – 28 (must be 20 on 1 Sep 2026) when applying
Places Available: 2
When: July to December 2026 (inclusive) and January to June 2027 (inclusive)
Duration: 6 months working, up to 3 months sightseeing
Cost to Member: £65 participation fee, £30 refundable multimedia presentation deposit and social expenditure. This trip is sponsored by C Alma Baker Trust and their support covers flights, Visa and insurance. As a working holiday, you will be paid as a member of the workforce (including use of a car) whilst in New Zealand.
Interviews: Once applications have been received, successful applicants would need to attend a face to face interview.
Application: all those wishing to apply need to complete the application form using the link below:
Limestone Downs is a beautiful 3,220 ha beef, sheep and dairy farm on the west coast in the North Island of New Zealand 15Km south of Port Waikato. You will spend six months working as part of the six strong team at the farm, as well as having up to 3 months of free time at the end of the trip to explore this beautiful country.
All applicants for this trip will need to have practical experience of working with livestock, have experience of cooking and living by yourself and be prepared for some hard graft. The 1,800ha effective sheep & beef farm consists of 7,500 sheep and 1,200 beef cattle (mostly Angus). The 340ha dairy, with 170ha support block, milks 700 cows with progeny kept and grown on. There is plenty to keep you busy!
It is essential that all applicants hold an ATV Certificate and a full, clean car licence (a car is provided).
This working scholarship is kindly sponsored by the C Alma Baker Trust.
