Dairy
Dairy farming’s been part of our proud farming heritage from the beginning, but innovation and technology has completely transformed it.
As the world’s biggest exporter of dairy products, we produce 21 billion litres of milk for processing each year. Our quality products are in demand because we’re blessed with productive land, healthy livestock and smart, switched on farmers and professionals – over 49,000 of them. The industry’s up skilling people and creating quality work environments so it’s a great time to be part of a world leading industry enhancing the way dairy operates.
How ready are you for the future?
Dairy farming is about people. It is people who operate the farm, make the decisions, and ultimately make farming successful. You must be equipped with the right skills, and maintain and use those skills in the most effective way possible. As farm systems become more complex and technology-driven, your skills must also grow and adapt.
Find courses to help you grow.
Check out how these young dairy farmers are climbing the ladder
Rising star keen to help
When Hayley Hoogendyk was offered a fulltime job as a farm assistant, she told her new employer he was “mad”.
She knew nothing about farming and had no experience other than a brief stint as a relief milker. “I had worked out the back end of a cow, but that was about it. But he just wanted to hire someone who was reliable and on to it.”
Dairy Industry’s Rising Star Is Keen To Help Others Shine
Farmers and their People
Young up-and-coming dairy industry leader Nicholas Bailey says Kiwi farmers are great at growing grass, but need to work just as hard at growing people.
“It’s people who will make or break your business so it’s worth investing the time and effort to properly train and nurture staff so they don’t burn out. These guys are the future of our industry. We need to look after them and grow them as well.”
Farmers urged to focus on their people, not just their herd