December 2025

Abbey White has been a standout member of Clinton Young Farmers since joining in 2019, known for her leadership, commitment, and genuine passion for the Young Farmers movement. As Club Chair, Abbey consistently leads by example, always ready to step in, support her teammates, and help bring people together.

Recently, Abbey also took on the role of Convener for the Otago Souhtland Districts, where her organisation, calm approach, and positive energy ensured the event ran smoothly and was enjoyed by all. Her dedication to growing her club and supporting others truly reflects what Young Farmers is all about. 

For Abbey, the greatest highlight of being part of Young Farmers has been the people she’s met along the way.

“The friendships and connections with people who share the same passion and energy have been huge,” she says. “I’m really grateful for the challenges and opportunities Young Farmers has given me. It’s helped build both my farming knowledge and essential life skills,  from public speaking to leadership and problem solving.”

Abbey didn’t grow up on a farm and comes from an urban background in Christchurch, but her journey into agriculture began with a willingness to try something new.

“At the end of Year 13, my careers advisor asked what I wanted to do the following year,” she explains. “I wasn’t sure, but I knew I learned best by doing something hands-on. That led me to attend a Telford taster camp.”

In 2016, Abbey completed a Certificate in Equine, before realising she preferred to keep horses as a hobby. “What Telford showed me was that you don’t need to come from a farming family to be part of the industry,” she says. She returned in 2017 to complete a Certificate in Agriculture, setting the foundation for her farming career.

Abbey is currently working on a 960-hectare sheep and beef farm in Clydevale, South Otago, running 6,300 ewes and 300 cattle.

“My farming journey has been incredibly rewarding so far,” she says. “I’ve been lucky to work with employers who not only taught me valuable skills but also offered support beyond the workplace — something I’ve appreciated deeply, especially with my family based in Canterbury.”

While Abbey acknowledges that farming is changing rapidly, particularly with advancements in technology, she believes its importance will never fade.

“Farming will forever be the backbone of New Zealand, in my opinion,” she says. “I believe it should be seen as a career path for everyone, not just those raised on farms. I’d love to see more initiatives that inspire and support people from urban backgrounds to step into agriculture and bring fresh perspectives to the sector.”

Next on the horizon for Abbey is a chance to explore the world, with plans to travel through Europe.

“I’m really looking forward to experiencing new cultures, history, and festivals,” she says. “It’ll be a great opportunity to broaden my horizons before continuing to grow my career in agriculture.”

Abbey draws inspiration from both the mentors she’s met along the way and her own personal journey.

“Coming from an urban background, I’ve proved to myself that with determination and support, it’s possible to thrive in farming,” she reflects. “At the same time, the employers and mentors I’ve worked with have inspired me through their knowledge, encouragement, and belief in me.”

Congratulations Abbey on being our November member of the month

Make sure you check out our other member's of the month in our news section, and if you want to nominate someone who has been an awesome contributor to your club, submit in the NZYF portal