The greatest challenge for Mount Linton was the Southland climate and the station was focused on producing genetics that survive and thrive in a harsh environment, she said, as well as producing a quality product.
Ms Way said Taratahi involves its students in research programmes "so that they can gain hands-on experience working in this cutting edge area of the industry" and students were now working on a short-term project at Onslow View, a sister farm to Taratahi's Koromiko, which also was involved in a genetics programme.
Centre staff had quickly noticed Ms Bates' skills and knowledge and had acted as her referees when she applied for the three-month summer placement at Mt Linton.
"Being so iconic, the summer placements were much sought after by people entering the industry, who want to gain experience on the sprawling and dynamic station," Ms Way said.
When she got the good news from Mr Bielski, Ms Bates remained calm until she put the phone down.
"I just ran around screaming and jumping up and down. I raced into the office to tell the Taratahi staff, everyone was really happy for me," she said.
"My dream has always been to work in the South Island."
Ms Bates will take her dogs Tom, Pip and Quake with her, she said, and as well as stock movement, she will be busy with weaning, yard work and shearing.
"It will be as much a learning experience for them as it will be for me. We'll be working with 78,000 stock units and in particular the 58,000 ewes which will be a bit intimidating.
"It will be like experiencing a whole new world, working on this scale." Ms Bates said she had mapped out her career path from when she returns from the summer work.
"I'll come back to Wairarapa, get more experience and study the Lincoln University Diploma in Agriculture with Taratahi.
"Hopefully I'll be able to do another stint in the South Island once I've graduated the diploma."
