Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Agriculture 

Custom Harvesting Across the USA with CAEP Agriculture Trainee Blake Higgs

CAEP

Blake Higgs, hailing from a family farm in New Zealand, recently completed an enriching eight-month agricultural training program with CAEP at Westlake Harvesting in Minnesota, USA. His journey was driven by a desire to operate advanced machinery, acquire new skills, expand his professional network, and immerse himself in American life.

At Westlake Harvesting, Blake trained with big iron such as combines and semi-trucks, gaining firsthand experience in custom harvesting operations, U.S. grain markets and precision agriculture. The custom harvesting operation’s extensive reach across various states provided him with a comprehensive understanding of diverse crops and farming practices.

Reflecting on his experience, Blake shared:

“Last year, I got the opportunity to experience the USA on a custom harvest crew. Finding a placement and getting to the USA was very easy with the help of the CAEP team. I got a placement with Westlake Harvesting in Minnesota.

Al and Liz Westlake are lovely people- very genuine & accommodating. I gained new skills and knowledge throughout the season, learning how the business works, how different machinery works, and techniques that Al has learned during his 40+ years in the business.

After arriving in Minnesota and getting to know the rest of the crew, we traveled down to Oklahoma to setup the gear and began harvesting wheat. We made a few stops in each state, working our way back north. Throughout our journey, we had the opportunity to visit major city’s & landmarks in each state, like Mount Rushmore and Pikes Peak. Later in the season, we changed crops, harvesting canola, soybeans, corn and sunflowers.

Overall, I am privileged to be able to have this opportunity to experience a country outside my own and be able to work for an amazing company that made my time one to remember. I was also grateful to work beside such a great group of people from around the world and made some great friends along the way that I remain in touch with.”

Blake’s journey exemplifies the profound impact of international exchange programs, fostering both professional growth and cultural enrichment.

If you’re inspired by Blake’s story and interested in training in the USA through a CAEP program, visit www.caep.org to apply or email caep@caep.org.

For a glimpse into the operations at Westlake Harvesting, check out this video:

CAEP

International Training Program Opportunities for Students and Professionals A CAEP international training program gives you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience while learning a new culture in another part of the world! Whether you are seeking vocational training to enhance your existing skills, or you wish to prepare yourself for a job in agriculture, horticulture, enology, equine or western equine, CAEP has a wide variety of international training programs sure to match your needs. Choose from opportunities in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Italy, and more! Young people around the world are talking about how international training programs are life-changing. Filled with travel and adventure, new knowledge and lifelong friends, international training programs offer real, hands-on experiences that are validated for universities and future employers. Don’t wait! Register today to get started on your experience of a lifetime!