The 2025 graduation of some 180 students from the State's premier agriculture college, Tocal College in the Hunter Valley, also marks the sixtieth year it has been training the State's young agriculture workforce to meet the challenges of tomorrow's evolving industry.
The NSW Government's Tocal College is a cornerstone of agricultural training in NSW and a key component of the Minns Government's commitment to building a strong and resilient agriculture sector.
In 2024 alone, Tocal College graduated 179 students and delivered skills training to 2,929 participants across 91 locations throughout the state.
Among the 2024 graduates to receive top honours are:
- Michael Lynch, from Millfield in the Hunter, Dux of Certificate III in Agriculture (Tocal Agricultural Production Program)
- Grace Lawrence, from Rosebrook in the Hunter, Dux of Certificate III in Horse Care (Tocal Stock Horse Breeding and Training Program)
- Mariah Livingston, from Stockrington in the Hunter, Dux of Certificate IV in Agriculture (Tocal Farm Supervisor and Agribusiness Program)
- Harrison Wand, from Hargraves in the Central West, Dux of Certificate IV in Agriculture (Traineeship Program)
- Grace Nesbitt, from Sydney's south, recipient of the Bronze Medal for Excellence in Certificate IV in Agriculture, with her study tour to Peru and subsequent success in Sydney RAS alpaca judging and involvement in the NSW Alpaca Youth event showcasing her leadership in the field.
Tocal's educational outcomes consistently exceed national standards, with full-time program completion rates 44 percent higher than the national average.
An impressive 96 percent of full-time students who began training at Tocal in 2024 successfully completed their qualification.
Almost half of fulltime students received fee concessions or exemptions highlighting the College's support for disadvantaged students.
More than 12 percent of students identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and just over 60 percent of 2024 full-time enrolments are female.
Through its extensive programs, Tocal helps cultivate the next generation of skilled workers while enhancing the capabilities of those already in the industry.
By focusing on increasing skill levels, improving safety standards, and boosting productivity, Tocal ensures that New South Wales remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation.
As Tocal College looks to the future, its diverse array of courses and programs will continue to provide New South Wales with a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the challenges of tomorrow's agricultural industry.
For more information about Tocal College, please visit the Tocal College website.
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:
"For more than 60 years Tocal College has provided exceptional education and skills development for the State's agricultural workforce.
"I'm proud of the Government's commitment to Tocal College and I congratulate this year's young graduates.
"I look forward, in the years to come, hearing of their successes and the contributions they will make to the State's ag sector.
"By focusing on increasing skill levels, improving safety standards, and boosting productivity, Tocal ensures that New South Wales remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation.
"The role of Tocal College has never been more crucial as it continues to meet our evolving age workforce needs.
"Tocal College's 60th anniversary is not just a celebration of its past successes but a reflection of its ongoing commitment to nurturing and developing the agricultural workforce of the future."
NSW Independent Agriculture Commissioner Alison Stone said:
"By equipping the next generation of agricultural professionals with both the traditional knowledge and modern tools they need, Tocal plays a vital role in ensuring the future of our agricultural industries remains strong and sustainable through programs which provide hands on experience, knowledge and the modern technologies to equip the next generation of agricultural professionals.
"Workforce and skill shortages continue to be significant challenges for primary industries, and I am proud to say that Tocal College is making a direct and impactful contribution to addressing these issues.
"Tocal College continues to cultivate strong, successful agricultural leaders who will shape the future of farming and rural industries in Australia."
