The 2024 PGG Wrightson Academy kicked off last week, with successful applicants diving into the first of four intensive two-day workshops. Visiting PGW’s Head Office in Christchurch, the cohort embarked on a challenging task: presenting Shark Tank-style pitches to Senior Technology leaders. The objective? To demonstrate how technology can effectively double Technical and Horticultural Field Rep capacity in the field. With just over four hours allocated for ideation, research, presentation creation, and perfecting their pitch, the groups showcased remarkable ingenuity. From forward-thinking app concepts to cutting-edge IoT solutions, each team presented with professionalism and flair, unveiling innovative approaches to enhance field operations.

Established in 2006, the PGW Academy focuses on nurturing talent within the company, with over 300 employees having completed the program since its inception. Approximately 20 PGW employees are selected annually for the 12-month Academy program. Participants in the Academy, including those from Retail, Livestock, and Wool Trainee Programs, undergo a comprehensive curriculum in partnership with the Primary Industry Training Organization. This includes completing a Certificate in Rural Servicing (NZQA Level 4), with a significant component being the PGW dissertation.

Milton Munro, PGW Technical Team Manager and Academy Convener, highlighted the evolving complexities within agriculture and the importance of equipping future industry leaders with problem-solving skills. He explains, “The trusted advisor and rep of the future is going to need to be a problem solver who has the skills to be able to tap into innovative solutions. The Academy course and qualification is designed to turn participants into a primary industry trouble shooter.  It teaches them the skills required to identify production issues, develop innovative solutions, and to model, compare, and contrast other solutions to provide the best possible benefit to the farmer or grower.”

The Academy workshops cover a diverse range of topics, including horticulture, dairy, livestock, and farm management, with engagement from strategic partners such as Ballance Agri-Nutrients, LIC and Datamars.

As the 2024 cohort progresses through the Academy, they are poised to further hone their skills and drive innovation in the agricultural sector, contributing to the continued growth and development of PGW and the wider industry.