HENDON farm Milton Park is playing a part in training future agriculture workers, hosting three veterinary students last week.

James Cook University vet students Elzeth Erasmus, Maddie Caithness and Margie Schubert were welcomed by farmer Josh Milton for a week of work experience at the farm's piggery.

Mr Milton said the sheep and pig property had invited students for placements for several years.

"We look at it as an investment in the industry," he said.

"Giving young trainee vets experience in the industry is really an investment in the future of agriculture.

"It's no inconvenience to us; we always plan to have the students around Christmas time."

The students are involved in the everyday operations of the piggery, helping to feed, water and vaccinate the pigs.

The piggery employs a consultant vet who oversees the health of the pigs, a potentially alluring career for Mr Milton's pupils.

Ms Erasmus and Ms Schubert are second year students while Ms Caithness is a third-year student, returning to Milton Park after a stint at the sheep property last year.

"It's interesting to see the difference between the sheep and pig industry because they're run quite differently," Ms Caithness said.

"It would be pretty cool to specialise so someone relies on you for it.

"Working with the company you know how to do it start to finish and how to ensure the health of the animal to be profitable."

While a love of animals unites them, the trio come from vastly different backgrounds.

Ms Schubert grew up in Brisbane, though her peers assure she has enjoyed getting her hands dirty at the piggery and the novelty of seeing a hay bailer in operation for the first.

A former boarder at Scots PGC, Ms Caithness grew up on a farm in western Queensland, while Ms Erasmus spent eight years on a South African crop farm before moving to a New Zealand dairy farm with her family.

"You expect the piggery to be messy but you don't really expect the noise," Ms Erasmus said.

"The pigs sniff and squeak and they're much louder than they need to be, so it's pretty intense but it's fun.

"Everyone's been really good here and get you working so you feel like you're being helpful and they explain why they're doing everything so you learn on the job."