Students from Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Orange are preparing for a two-week tour of New Zealand as part of their Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management. The course is one of only a handful offered in Australia and has been designed to prepare students to meet the critical shortage of skilled managers in the agricultural sector. The University’s School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences academic Ms Shevahn Telfser said graduates were in demand from agribusiness companies and major banks seeking employees with technical agricultural training and skills in business, management and finance. “The New Zealand visit will include tours of agricultural and commercial properties, and is part of our focus on ensuring graduates are work-ready and prepared for an international workplace,” she said. “Agricultural business management graduates are sought after and most of our students have secured jobs even before they complete their degree.” Students studying via distance education will join students studying at CSU in Orange for the tour, which is scheduled for early October.