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
Waikato Dairy Manager of the Year Runner Up Sicelo Nene is very thankful for being able to learn about the New Zealand dairy industry and gain qualifications while he works his way up in the industry.
Waimakariri contract milkers Kirstie and Wayne Pritchard wouldn’t be without the support and opportunities that Primary ITO | Te Pūkenga offers to their business.
Natasha Price grew up on a dairy farm but never considered a career in dairy farming. Her plans changed due to the Covid-19 disruption and now she’s an award-winning dairy trainee with goals for a successful future in dairying.
Bringing the next generation of dairy farmers through by offering them on-the-job learning is important for the future of the industry, says Tasman district dairy farmer Kevin Freeman.