The future of the agricultural sector is in good hands if the recent results at Tocal College are anything to go by.
More than 200 of the state’s budding pastoral leaders graduated from the Paterson-based campus on Friday 20 March, in readiness for the next stage of their lives.
Among the 2025 alumni to receive top honours included:
- Alyvia Lieb (East Seaham): Dux of Certificate III in Agriculture (Tocal Agricultural Production Program)
- Grace Shields (Lakesland): Dux of Certificate III in Horse Care (Tocal Stock Horse Breeding and Training Program)
- Sarah Hanks (Louth Park): Dux of Certificate IV in Agriculture (Tocal Farm Supervisor and Agribusiness Program)
- Natalia Luci (Mangrove Mountain): Dux of Certificate IV in Agriculture (Traineeship Program)
Ms Lieb was ecstatic with her result.
“Studying at Tocal has strengthened my passion for agriculture and given me the confidence to start building a career in the industry,” she said.
“I’m grateful for the support of my trainers… and the friends I’ve made along the way.”
The students’ training is part of the NSW Government’s comprehensive plan to build the state’s ag sector and ensure a well-trained and versatile workforce moving forward.
According to the Agriculture Economics research report, the Gross Value of Production (GVP) has continued its strong recovery since the 2017–19 drought, reaching record levels in cropping and livestock.
“Our government has invested heavily in supporting, protecting and developing our primary industries, so that there’s a helping hand and shared knowledge on innovation and biosecurity,” said Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarity, who attended the ceremony.
“That will enable farms to use these recent strong seasons to build financial resilience.”
Ms Moriarity said as agriculture continued to evolve, the education provided at Tocal College remained significant in the future of the industry as students excelled 40% higher than the national average.
“It’s an incredible outcome,” she stated.
“From livestock production and cropping to Agtech and sustainable land management, the training delivered at Tocal ensures students are ready to contribute from day one on the job.”
The government is also chipping in $100 million towards agricultural research.
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