More young Kiwis are seeing their future linked to the country.

Enrolments in agricultural qualifications are up at both Lincoln and Massey universities - Massey recording its biggest intake in 25 years.

Chief executive of Beef and Lamb New Zealand, Scott Champion, says it's clearly good news for the primary industries.

But he says with a very real skills shortage, they can't afford to sit back.

"We have to keep going in those secondary school programs, talking about the opportunities and keep the pedal down."

Scott Champion says it's important the rural sector is enticing young people to places beyond universities as well.