A legacy of farming, training, and opportunity
For more than 90 years, Smedley Station has been helping young New Zealanders build futures in farming and agriculture.
Established through the vision of Josiah Howard, Smedley combines practical farm training, real responsibility, and industry-recognised education to prepare cadets for successful careers in modern agriculture.
Meet the team
Greg Crombie — Station Manager
Greg Crombie leads the Smedley programme and station operations, bringing extensive farming knowledge and experience to the role.
Under Greg’s leadership, Smedley continues to focus on:
- practical training
- strong values
- mentoring
- preparing cadets for real careers in agriculture
Greg is passionate about helping young people develop confidence, responsibility, and practical farming capability.
“Smedley has always been about preparing young people for lifelong careers on the land. My focus is on keeping that tradition strong while making sure our cadets are ready for the challenges of modern farming.”
The history of Smedley
In 1919, Josiah Howard left his Central Hawke’s Bay property to the Crown with a clear purpose: to educate the next generation of New Zealand farmers.
From that vision, Smedley Station and Cadet Training Farm was established in 1931.
Today, that vision continues through a unique cadetship programme that combines practical farm experience, formal training, and personal development.
The farm
Situated in Tikokino, Central Hawke’s Bay, Smedley Station spans 5,660 hectares of working farmland and carries approximately 30,000 stock units.
As a commercial sheep, cattle, and deer farming operation, the station provides cadets with a real-world environment in which to learn, develop skills, and gain practical experience.
A supportive learning environment
Smedley is powered by people who care — from the cooks preparing meals each day to the farming and training team working alongside cadets on the land.
With experienced managers, trainers, and support staff, Smedley provides a safe and supportive environment where cadets can develop practical skills, confidence, character, and resilience.
The Josiah Howard Foundation
The Josiah Howard Foundation helps preserve the unique character and heritage of Smedley while supporting the development of former cadets through scholarships, leadership opportunities, and alumni initiatives.
Guided by the vision and values of Josiah Howard, the Foundation works to strengthen connections across the Smedley community and support future generations of cadets.
Guided by Public Trust
Public Trust oversees the ongoing management of the Howard Estate and Smedley Station, ensuring the farm continues to operate in accordance with Josiah Howard’s original vision and charitable purpose.
Smedley through the years
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Josiah Howard gifts the property to the Crown
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Smedley Cadet Training Farm established
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Generations of cadets trained
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Preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders
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Ready to learn more?
Discover what makes Smedley one of New Zealand’s most respected agricultural cadetship programmes.
Frequently asked questions
How long has Smedley been operating?
Smedley Station was established in 1931 and has been training young New Zealanders in farming and agriculture for more than 90 years.
Over that time, more than 740 cadets have graduated from the programme and gone on to careers throughout the rural industry.
How many cadets attend each year?
Smedley accepts just 13 cadets each year.
This smaller intake allows for:
- hands-on learning
- personalised mentoring
- strong teamwork
- close support from staff and senior cadets
Where is Smedley located?
Smedley Station is located in Central Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, beside the Ruahine Forest Park.
The station provides a diverse and realistic farming environment where cadets gain experience across sheep, beef, and deer farming operations.
Is Smedley a real working farm?
Yes. Smedley operates as a commercial working farm while also providing agricultural cadet training.
Cadets are involved in day-to-day farm operations and gain practical experience in real farming conditions throughout the programme.
Who was Josiah Howard?
Josiah Howard was a successful farmer and businessman who gifted Smedley Station to the people of New Zealand through Public Trust.
His vision was to create opportunities for young people to gain practical agricultural training and build careers in farming. That vision continues to guide Smedley today.