Ravensdown job combines love of science and outdoors

Brenna Coleman examines pasture on a dairy farm in Kaupokonui, South Taranaki. Photo / Supplied

When Brenna Coleman bites into a burger she knows it's possible she played a part in producing the ingredients.

The 23-year-old is an agri manager with Ravensdown, which helps farmers grow food sustainably for livestock and people.

The job ticks all the boxes for the Central Taranaki Young Farmers member; she gets to practice her love of science and work outdoors.

"I spend about four days a week on-farm helping Taranaki farmers achieve their production and environmental targets," she said.

"In spring, I spend a lot of time collecting soil samples, which are analysed for nutrients to determine soil fertility."

Changing practices mean more producers now opt for whole-farm soil testing, resulting in detailed data for every paddock.

Brenna Coleman takes a soil sample on a dairy farm in South Taranaki. Photo / Supplied

"I will then sit down with the farmer and go through the results, coming up with a tailored fertiliser plan for each paddock," she said.

"Some paddocks won't receive any fertiliser, others will be given a specific blend to rectify deficiencies."

Coleman grew up on a sheep and beef farm in Dannevirke and knew from a young age she wanted to work outdoors.

"I didn't want to be stuck in an office, but I wasn't entirely sure what is was I wanted to do," she said.

Coleman was a boarder at Feilding High School and helped get the school's first TeenAg club off the ground in 2012.

She went on to study a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours) at Lincoln University.

As Coleman neared the end of her studies, she applied for a place on Ravensdown's coveted development programme.

She was one of 12 graduates accepted in her intake.

The programme provided an invaluable training ground, and helped her see New Zealand.

"Trainees are in the development programme for a minimum of six months," said Coleman.

"We all start in Christchurch and then get seconded to different regions to fill in for agri managers who are on leave."

Last August she moved to Taranaki for a six-month posting, which she has just completed.

"I loved it there. Both the Ravensdown team and local farmers were so supportive and willing to teach me about the region's climate and soils," she said.

"For example, Taranaki soils are really deficient in potassium, but soils back home in Dannevirke are low in sulphur."

Coleman's soil samples are analysed for nutrients to determine soil fertility. Photo / Supplied

Being a member of NZ Young Farmers made the move easier.

"When I got to Taranaki I didn't really know a lot of people, so I joined Central Taranaki Young Farmers," she said.

"NZ Young Farmers is a great way to meet like minded people especially when you're new to an area."

"But it turns out I did know some people. I got to the first meeting and I ran into people I knew from university and through NZ Young Farmers, which was pretty cool," she said.

Coleman fully immersed herself in the region, even running Ravensdown modules at two qualifying events for the FMG Young Farmer of the Year.

The 23-year-old has some helpful advice for high school students considering a career in the primary industries.

"Know what university you want to attend and make sure you're taking the right subjects in Year 13," she said.

"My other key tip is to apply for scholarships. There are loads available, especially for agriculture. Many close in August, so be prepared and get your application in early."

"Apply even if you don't fit the scholarship criteria because if you're the only applicant you could still be successful," she said.

One of the scholarships on offer is the PKW-Ravensdown Scholarship for whānau of Parininihi ki Waitotara shareholders.