MORE than 200 of New South Wales’ future agriculture leaders on Friday graduated from Tocal College in the Hunter region, destined for careers spanning livestock production, cropping, farm management, equine studies and agtech in the State’s $25 billion agriculture sector.
Tocal College is the State’s leading agriculture education institute with 2400 students enrolled in courses at 73 locations around New South Wales, making it one of the biggest and oldest agriculture education organisations in Australia.
The graduation of 218 students took place at Tocal’s campus in Paterson, north of Maitland, in the Hunter region.
Among the 2025 graduates to receive top honours was Alyvia Lieb, from East Seaham in the Hunter.
Ms Lieb was named Dux of Certificate III in Agriculture in the Tocal Agricultural Production Program.
“Studying at Tocal has strengthened my passion for agriculture and given me the confidence to start building a career in the industry,” she said.
“I’m grateful for the support of my trainers and the friends I’ve made along the way.”
Grace Shields, from Lakesland in the Hunter, was named Dux of Certificate III in Horse Care in the Tocal Stock Horse Breeding and Training Program.
“Working with horses every day has been incredible, and the program has pushed me to grow both personally and professionally,” she said.
“I’m excited to take these skills into the equine industry and keep learning.”
Sarah Hanks, from Louth Park in the Hunter, was named Dux of Certificate IV in Agriculture in the Tocal Farm Supervisor and Agribusiness Program and Natalia Luci, from Mangrove Mountain on the Central Coast, was awarded Dux of Certificate IV in Agriculture in the Traineeship Program.
Through its practical, industry-aligned training programs, Tocal supports both new entrants to agriculture and those already working in farming, agribusiness and natural resource management.
Tocal’s focus on developing skills, lifting safety standards and supporting productivity ensures New South Wales remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation.
Tocal’s educational outcomes continue to exceed national standards, with full-time program completion rates more than 40 percent higher than the national average.
In addition, 92 per cent of students in full-time training who began at Tocal in 2025 successfully completed their qualification, with 22 per cent of students in full qualification programs identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Just under 50 percent of all 2025 enrolments were women.
Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, said the graduation is a proud moment for every student, their families, and the broader agricultural community.
“From livestock production and cropping to Agtech and sustainable land management, the training delivered at Tocal ensures students are ready to contribute from day one on the job,” she said.
“As agriculture continues to evolve, Tocal College remains agile and forward‑looking, integrating new technologies, modern production techniques and emerging industry needs into its training.
“The achievements of this year’s graduates speak to the exceptional teaching, mentorship and real‑world experience they receive at Tocal.
“Each student has earned the skills and confidence needed to build meaningful careers and contribute to a stronger agricultural future for the state,” she said.
For more information on Tocal College, visit Tocal College Paterson.
