AGRICULTURAL studies are on the decline and something must be done to prevent a further reduction, an industry educator has said.
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Bill Kinsey deputy principal of Tocal College said although 90 to 120 students pass through the school every year other institutions have seen a significant slump in numbers.
"At Tocal we are doing pretty well and are maintaining a full enrolment," he said.
"But a lot of other institutions have either got low number or have forced to close their ag courses."
Tocal is the only agricultural college in NSW - Charles Sturt University, Sydney-based universities and the University of New England feature agricultural courses.
Hawkesbury Agricultural College suspended first-year enrolments in 2012 and agricultural college in Queensland have struggled, Mr Kinsey said.
"Two colleges in Queensland closed and there are only two remaining, which are struggling," he said.
University of New England Robb College graduate James Cleaver said it's disappointing to see institutes with such amazing traditions and practices "go out the window" with their closure.
The agricultural industry is not a dependable industry anymore, said Mr Cleaver.
"Often we are told to go out and get a degree and then come back to the farm," he said.
"Our generation grew up in the time of intense drought.
"Interest in the agricultural industry is still there, but people just can't rely on it anymore."
Mr Kinsey agreed mentors sometimes discourage aspiring agriculturalists from the industry.
"A lot of parents and teachers try and deter students from the agricultural industry and encourage them to pursue something else," he said.
"A lot of farmers get a trade or go to uni and go back home one day.
"But there has been a general drift of young people travelling from the bush to the city."
But Mr Kinsey said there was still some life in the industry however, the tables have certainly turned.
"There have been more girls than boys studying agriculture in the last seven or eight years," he said.
"A lot of girls from cities have an interest in animals."
The deputy principal said there was a general misconception which might also drive people away from agriculture.
"A lot of people think you'll be underpaid and overworked," Mr Kinsey said.
"But there are actually a lot of well-paying jobs and jobs can be found easily."
The agricultural industry was in trouble, but was definitely salvageable, Mr Kinsey said.
"There is a bright future in ag and a strong demand," he said.
"But numbers will continue to decline if we don't make a change.
"We need to promote careers in ag more."