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
From jobseeker benefit to discovering a passion for growing fruit, Primary ITO learner Mitchell Rush has just ticked off his apprenticeship and a job promotion.
Ten years after dairy farmer Gavin Longstaff completed his Primary ITO Level 4 training, he caught up with local farmer and Primary ITO Sector Manager Marianne Awburn at a local Brunch on Us event run by Rural Support.
While many 17-year-olds are still deciding on career options, Sophie White’s passion for farming and practical experience through Primary ITO has landed her a place at the prestigious Smedley Station and Cadet Training School in 2025.
Primary ITO has launched a new dairy short course providing an affordable and flexible option for all dairy farm staff, no matter what visa or residency status they have.