Top Dairy Trainee credits knowledge boost to award win

Mark Ready Dairy Trainee of The Year 2026. Credit: NZDIA

Mark was “shocked” to hear his name announced, saying he was pinching himself to see if it was really happening. Celebrating with his wife Lilie and employers Michael and Cheryl Shearer, Mark also took home the Ecolab Personal Growth and Development Award.

Mark first entered the Dairy Trainee of the Year Award in 2023. While he didn’t place then, it was recommended that he grow his knowledge on why things are done a certain way on farm.

He contacted Primary ITO and enrolled in the New Zealand Certificate in Dairy Farming (Level 3) in 2024. Mark says a major benefit was the learning was directly applicable to what was happening on farm.

Mark with Share Farmers of The Year and Dairy Manager of the Year. Credit: NZDIA

Mark says the extra knowledge paid off during the Dairy Trainee of the Year competition and he enjoyed the experience, particularly the practical modules.

“It lets you compare yourself to the best from all over the country. I really enjoyed meeting the other finalists - we have similar roles and career goals, and it was cool bouncing ideas off them.”

Growing up, his father managed a farm and Mark helped after school. He then worked on a deer farm for four years, while relief milking a few mornings a week. Moving into dairying fulltime, he took on a dairy assistant role for Willie and Michelle Coates at Haupiri for eighteen months.

It was while completing his Primary ITO study that Mark met class tutor Michael Shearer, who offered him the role of farm manager on the Inch family’s 130 hectare farm at Maruia, east of Reefton, milking 250 cows once a day. Mark is coming up to one year in the role.

He loves the diversity of farming, working outdoors with stock, milking, maintaining machinery and equipment, and the science and biology aspects.

A big drawcard was the career pathway and succession opportunities in dairying. Mark has a plan mapped out and is motivated to achieve his goals.

Mark (left) with Primary ITO tutor Michael Shearer

“My wife Lilie and I are excited to have bought thirty cows to start building equity and our own herd. We want to slowly progress to owning a herd of 250 cows over the next three to five years and then look at an equity partnership. Our long-term goal is to own our own farm.”

Michael Shearer has tutored for Primary ITO for eight years. He says he had “a really good tutor” while completing his own Primary ITO training, who shared lots of knowledge and made the classes fun.

“Building relationships is the best part, watching the learners grow and helping them on their journey. I still keep in contact with lots of them.

Michael and his wife Cheryl (committee manager - West Coast/Top of the South) have enjoyed their own success at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards and were delighted to hear Mark’s name announced as Dairy Trainee of the Year.

“I reckon I was just about more excited for him then when I went through the awards myself. It was pretty special.”

Mark and family on the Inch family's farm at Maruia

Next year Mark plans to enter the Dairy Manager of the Year category. He credits the support of good employers and mentors as essential for young farmers.

“Having someone to talk to about your goals and help you work towards them is critical towards succeeding in this industry.

“The Dairy Industry Awards also play an important role – helping to showcase that relationship between an employer and their staff, the importance of mentorship and supporting people coming through the industry.”

Mark was supported through his Primary ITO study by Training Advisers Ashleigh Thomas and Kirstie Dodds. Kirstie says Mark was driven to succeed.

“It is amazing to see Mark’s success, and we wish him well for the future.”

Find information on dairy farming qualifications on our website here, or call 0800 20 80 20 to talk to our friendly team.