Dairy farming
Dairy Farming has been part of New Zealand’s proud farming history and gets better all the time, thanks to innovation and technology.
As the world’s biggest exporter of dairy products, New Zealand process 21 billion litres of milk each year. New Zealand’s quality products are in demand thanks to the country's productive land, healthy livestock, and smart, switched-on farmers and other rural professionals.
Job overview
From starting as a farm assistant, through to contract milking, managing or owning/operating a dairy farm, there are on-job qualifications and industry growth opportunities to support a successful life-long career.
Skills and experience
- Physically fit – dairy farm work can be physically demanding
- Confident and caring with animals
- Patient, adaptable, and practical
- Motivated
- Able to follow a routine
- Able to show initiative and make decisions
- Well organised, goal-focused, and able to think ahead
- Able to work well independently and in a team
- Good at communicating.
News from our learners and employers
Growing the pipeline of farmers into the agriculture industry and providing opportunities for employment and career development is at the heart of the Pāmu Apprenticeship Scheme, proudly supported by Primary ITO.
Senior ag students at Dannevirke High School learned the basics of safe chainsaw operation in a short course delivered by Primary ITO Trades Academy recently.
Dannevirke High School students are gaining hands-on farming skills and valuable real-world experience through Primary ITO Trades Academy, leading to employment and cadetship opportunities.
Congratulations to Ben Carter and Gary Thomas, joint winners of the 2026 Stockperson of the Year Award, announced at the NZ Pork conference in Christchurch recently.