Smedley Station and Cadet Training Farm is a commercial agricultural training farm running sheep, cattle and deer, located in Central Hawke's Bay. We train young Kiwis to become the best future farmers of New Zealand.

Offering a two-year farm cadetship programme, from January to December each year, Smedley Station offers a unique agriculture training opportunity.  Administered by Public Trust on behalf of the Crown, Smedley Station is run by an on-farm manager. Our manager is responsible for the running of the Station, including the organisation and coordination of both the theoretical and practical aspects of cadet training.

13 trainees are accepted each year for the two-year agricultural training course, meaning there are 26 cadets/trainees attending Smedley Station at any one time each year.

Smedley graduates are valued employees and work across a wide range of farm and agribusiness career opportunities.

A Slice of History

The farm was originally owned by “JOSIAH HOWARD”, who, on his death in 1919, passed it on to the Crown, to be used to provide agricultural training to the young farmers of New Zealand.  The Howard Estate Act was passed later that year providing that Smedley Station be held by Public Trust in trust for the Crown, as a permanent endowment for the purposes of agricultural education.

The first farming and agriculture training course was opened in 1931 and, since then more than 600 young farmers have successfully graduated.

Applying at Smedley

Agricultural Training Selection

13 Cadets are selected from approximately 80-100 applicants each year to attend Smedley Station. This enables us to offer the best farm training to our cadets.

We choose cadets who are extremely passionate about farming and are good team players too. Once selected, the cadets are set on a journey of life-changing experience.

The selection process includes interviews for some applicants All applicants will be advised in August whether or not they have been selected for interview. The results of the selection process will be communicated within 2 weeks of the interviews.

All applicants are highly encouraged to attend an Orientation Day.

When does training occur?

The farm cadetship training year begins in mid January and ends close to Christmas.

Interested candidates/applicants need to submit their completed application form to Smedley Station by the 23rd of July.  Orientation Days are held in June each year.

Farm Cadetship Fees

There are no fees. Our cadetship training is fully sponsored by the trust.  This covers all your on-farm food and accommodation expenses. All you need to do is to buy your own clothes, harness gear and dogs.

Orientation Days

Smedley Cadetship Orientation

Farm Cadetship orientation days are held at Smedley Station in June each year. Attendance is highly recommended.

Start time:  2.00pm                 Finish time: 4.30pm.

2023:  Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th June.

About Smedley Station

Where is Smedley Station?

Smedley Station is located in Central Hawkes Bay, 40 kms west of Waipukurau, near the Wakarara and Ruahine Ranges. For more details of the location please view our Interactive Map.

How big is the Smedley Station Cadet Training Farm?

Our agriculture training institute farm is 5,554 total hectares, with 3,606 effective hectares.  We winter 30,000 stock units.

Contact us today to find out more!

Want to know more about our entry requirements? Download an information pack today!

FIND OUT MORE