Sharon Paterson, with her prize-winning sheep, at the Wyndham A and P Show. Photo supplied.

The Generate programme, which includes nine workshops covering topics as varied as people skills and marketing, leads to a certificate in rural leadership.

Lucy Thomson-Ryan, who will present the Dunedin programme, said Generate "offers so much for people at all ages and stages in their lives".

"I've seen older women blow the group away as they develop self-confidence and presentation skills and younger people experience personal growth and unlock their potential.

"The team dynamics are as valuable as the content. Often older, wiser minds provide direction and younger people add a different aspect and fresh way of looking at things," she said.

Generate is a national programme delivered by Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre at centres around New Zealand.

Sharon Paterson, a Generate Gore graduate and FMG rural manager, particularly valued the presentation and people skills she took from the workshops.

Alongside her working life with FMG, Mrs Paterson manages four sheep studs and a cattle stud with her husband.

"I have been in farming all my life.

I looked to the programme to help me develop more personal confidence and self-confidence in speaking with people. Generate exceeded my expectations.

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Generating success for farming professionals