Dairy farming - a kiwi way of life
your guide to a kiwi way of life
Dairy farming - a kiwi way of life
Contents
What is dairy farming all about? 3
Life on a farm 4
Building your future 7
Is dairy farming right for you? 10
Finding a job 13
Progressing your career 22
This guide has been put together
to help people like you who are
thinking about a career in dairy,
but aren’t sure what’s involved or
2
where to start.
so what is Dairy farming all about?
as a job it can be pretty demanding. in most highly. they can spend time with
fact, it is many jobs all rolled into one. their families, be their own boss, enjoy
making hay and silage, laying drains, the outdoors, get involved in the local
building and mending fences, sowing schools and sports clubs, meet other
grass and feed crops, fixing mechanical farmers and suppliers and have endless
equipment, safely and skilfully handling variety in their lives without the hassles
powerful machines, welding and of city life. as a way of life it can be
engineering, helping cows give birth, second to none for those who like the
managing staff and contractors, making peace and tranquillity of life in the
investment decisions, business planning, country, who love animals, who like to
Is it a job, a career
soil testing – oh, and milking cows. work outside. your family life, social life
and work life are intermingled.
or a way of life? as a career it can be pretty rewarding.
Well, really it’s
to be a good dairy farmer takes a lot as a dairy farmer you will know that
of nous. you need to know about you are doing something honest and
a combination of animal physiology, plant nutrition, soil worthwhile – for yourself, for your family,
all three. fertility, business management, people for your community, for the country and
management and information systems. for the people around the world who will
you’ve got to be part scientist, part vet, benefit from the most important thing
a bit of an accountant and a very good you produce – milk.
manager. the more you know and the
Dairy farming is building the future
better you are at these things, the more
for us all. It is a Kiwi way of life.
successful your farming career will be.
as a lifestyle it is what most people
who have become dairy farmers rate
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Dairy farming - a kiwi way of life
A typical dairy season From October to From April to May the
starts around July/ December is peak milk herd gradually finishes
September with spring production on the farm. milking for the season.
calving. most farms milk twice a day at around milking stops until the cows calve
this is a busy and exciting time of the 5am and 3pm. the timing of milking will again to begin the new season in July/
year. Days start early when farmers rise vary from farm to farm. keeping the milking august. this time is often used to tackle
to check the calving paddocks and get equipment up to scratch and maintaining major projects on the farm such as
the morning milking underway. there’s a hygienic farm dairy is critical. after all, it fencing, drainage, water reticulation,
time to go home for breakfast and see is a food factory and its milk may end up shed maintenance and tree planting.
the children off to school before feeding in some far flung corner of the world. this it is also the time of year for planning
calves and then checking cows that is also the time of year for mating cows to ahead for next season. almost all farms
are yet to give birth. looking after the calve next spring. as you gain experience have budgets for feed production, milk
welfare of the farm’s livestock is vital at in herd management and milk production production and financial performance.
this time of year. working outdoors, and you will need to understand the genetic
with animals, is part of dairying that many options available to achieve the health,
farmers enjoy the most. reproductive and milk component
characteristics you want your herd to
have in the future. Processing surplus grass
into silage or hay is done now and special
forage crops such as maize or turnips are
planted for harvesting later in the season.
4
life on a farm
For more information visit the Life on
Farm pages in the Go Dairy website:
www.GoDairy.co.nz
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Dairy farming - a kiwi way of life
Herd Manager
Employment options
this is an entry-level managerial role
there are a variety of salaried/wage where the individual takes some
positions available in the dairy industry. responsibility for the day-to-day
operation of part of the farm or one
Dairy farming is not Farm Assistant herd on the farm. as a herd manager
for everyone, but for a farm assistant is responsible for
you will be responsible for tasks such as
the right person it is a assisting in day-to-day operations.
feed allocation, milking, and health of a
herd. on larger farms this role may also
great job with plenty of this “hands on” entry-level job is the
extend to supervising allocated staff. this
opportunities, and first step in a dairy farming career. you
is not an autonomous role. you are still
on-farm experience is not will gain practical, hands-on experience
actively learning about duties and areas
necessary to get started. in all aspects of day-to-day farming. on
of responsibility on the farm. you will be
With the right attitude larger farms you will work as part of a
working in direct consultation with a farm
team, while on smaller farms you will
you can become a herd owner or manager.
often work directly alongside the farm
manager within a few
owner. in both cases you will be under A Herd Manager will ideally have at least
years, a farm manager in
direct supervision while you develop two years’ experience working on farm as
five or six years or even your skills and gain experience and a farm assistant or in a similar role.
run your own business responsibility.
as a sharemilker in the
same sort of timeframe. No previous farming experience is
required. Employers are looking for
ideal personal qualities: commitment to
learning, can-do attitude, team player
and honesty.
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builDing your future
Production Manager Assistant Manager or 2IC Farm Manager
a Production manager manages the assistant manager takes the farm manager works with the
the cows and grass aspects and responsibility for some day-to-day farm owner’s policy guidelines and
may supervise staff appointed by the operations; this may be feed allocation business plans including managing
owner. they are responsible for the and maintaining the health of part of finance, cows, grass, recruitment and
dairy production system – managing the the herd. on larger farms they may also supervision of staff. a farm manager is
cows, grass and supplement to achieve supervise staff. responsible for the financial and physical
the owner’s targets and works with the performance of the farm and as such
An Assistant Manager will ideally
support of the farm owner or their will be highly skilled in all aspects of
have at least two years’ experience
advisor, focusing on productivity for the the farm business. on larger farms this
working on farm as a farm assistant
farm and responsible for supervising staff role will also include responsibility for
or in a similar role.
appointed by the farm owner. recruiting and managing staff.
A Production Manager will ideally A Farm Manager will ideally have three
have three to five years’ experience to five years’ experience working directly
working as a Herd Manager, Assistant on-farm, having gained an overview of all
Manager or 2IC. the required elements needed for farm
management. They will also have some
experience of managing staff.
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Dairy farming - a kiwi way of life
Operations Manager Contract Milker
Business ownership
an operations manager works a Contract milker takes
with the farm owner to develop if one day you would like the responsibility for the production
strategy. they may supervise multiple challenge and possible financial system and maintains farm
farm managers and/or sharemilkers rewards of owning your own business infrastructure and machinery.
to ensure that the owner’s strategy is here is how dairy farming can help you. they may employ labour where required
implemented, acting as a coach and and are responsible for the financial
support. they typically supervise the Variable Order Sharemilker management of their own business.
operations of a number of farming units a Variable order (Vo) sharemilker takes Contract milker is a self-employed role
within a larger farm business. these responsibility for the production system. but is paid on a specific dollar value per
farms may be managed by farm managers they also maintain farm infrastructure kilogram of milksolids (e.g. $1/kgms),
and/or sharemilkers, but it is the and machinery and may employ labour therefore removing volatility in their
responsibility of the operations manager where required. sharemilkers are self- business related to fluctuating payout.
to ensure that the owner’s strategy is employed contractors who receive a they are responsible for defined areas
implemented. percentage of the milk income, and pay a of expenditure and will supply agreed
percentage of costs, based on the amount resources e.g. motorbike, machinery or
Operations Managers will ideally have
of stock and machinery they contribute to stock.
three to five years’ experience working as
the agreement. income depends on both
farm manager, having gained expertise payout and production. Contract Milkers will ideally have three
in all the required elements needed for to five years’ experience working directly
productive farm management. They will Sharemilkers will ideally have three to on-farm, having gained an overview of
also have considerable experience of five years’ experience working directly all the required elements needed for
managing staff. on-farm, having gained an overview of all farm management. They will also have
the required elements needed for farm some experience of managing staff.
management. They will also have some
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experience of managing staff.
builDing your future
50/50 Sharemilker Equity Partner
50/50 sharemilkers are an equity Partner is a partner in a
self-employed contractors who farm business with multiple people. For more information on the
receive a percentage of the milk they contribute, with the other roles and duties involved in dairy
income, and pay a percentage of partners, to strategic management farming visit the Dairy careers
costs, based on the amount of stock for the farm business. an equity partner page on the Go Dairy website:
and machinery they contribute to the has a significant financial investment in www.GoDairy.co.nz
agreement. income depends on both the business and therefore is ultimately
payout and production. sharemilkers responsible for the performance of the
are responsible for defined areas of farm business. equity partners may or may
expenditure and will supply agreed not be involved in farming operations.
resources e.g. motorbike, machinery or this role is similar to role of farm owner
stock. the level of responsibility for a but is carried out in consultation with
sharemilker is less strategic than a farm other partners.
owner. it requires the knowledge and
An equity partner will ideally come
understanding of farming at the same
to the role with 3-5 years’ of farm
level as a farm manager, with the added
management experience, and therefore
responsibility for financial management
have gained an overall understanding of
of their own business.
all elements of management on-farm.
A Sharemilker will ideally have 3-5 Of course if they employ a competent
years’ experience working directly on- manager experience requirements are
farm, having gained an overview of all greatly reduced.
the required elements needed for farm
management. They will also have some
experience of managing staff. 9
Dairy farming - a kiwi way of life
REALIty 1 • work can be physically demanding so
The work: you need to have a realistic level of
fitness and health
it is important not to rush into this career • the farm’s location will have an
until you understand what it entails. here impact on what services and family
is a selection of some of the issues you support systems are available in the
should have discussed and understood locality
before looking for a job.
• you must be able to look after
Time for a • farming is about being outdoors yourself when working on-farm,
reality check with animals and machinery and ensuring you are eating well and get
contending with wind, rain and plenty of sleep
Get a clear picture of the sunshine • you need to work for the ‘right’
realities of dairy farming
• farming may be about animals but the people and learn from the best if you
and make sure it is what
ability to work with people is vital wish to develop the right skills and
you really want to do before
you start looking for a job. to those who want to optimise the progress
potential of this career • the financial rewards achieved depend
• farming is unique in that employees on a variety of factors including your
usually live on-farm and their experience, abilities and level of
employer is often their landlord responsibility.
• early morning starts are a reality but
there are a variety of different rosters
that can result in large variations in
time off and hours worked
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is Dairy farming right for you
REALIty 2 REALIty 3
Partner and family Understanding the
a dairy farming career will also impact
career paths
on your family. without their support it there is no fixed pathway for progression
is very difficult to take on any new job. it in the dairy industry. individuals choose
will almost certainly mean moving to a what they wish to achieve and how
new location and different home. if you they get there. if you have no previous
have children they may need to settle experience you will probably start as a
into a new school and get used to the farm assistant, which is an ideal role to
different lifestyle that farming offers. learn about the industry and the jobs
make sure your family is fully informed that need to be done. a good, positive
and involved in the decision-making attitude can see you progress very quickly
process. once you have mastered the basics.
things to consider: for many dairy industry employees, the
• location of the job, so that it is close ultimate goal is farm ownership. but
to schools etc in today’s dairy industry this need not
be an exclusive goal. there are many
• the impact moving to a more opportunities to progress through the
remote area might have on your ranks, however you must fully understand
family’s social life. the level of commitment that this
if your wife or partner works, consider demands. regardless of what drives you
the impact this will have on their career it is vital you develop and understand
and lifestyle. your own goals and then plan and act to
meet them.
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Dairy farming - a kiwi way of life
Is farming for you?
Question Preferably Absolutely Not Really
i want to work outdoors
i want to work with animals
Find out if dairy i want to work with other people
farming is for you. i want a job that is active and on-the-go
Take the ‘Is farming i want to work with machinery
right for you?’ test.
i want a new challenge
i want to learn new skills
IF yOU hAvE A lOT i want a job that has prospects, with
OF TICkS On ThE opportunities to be promoted
‘PrEFErABly’ AnD
‘ABSOlUTEly’ COlUMnS i want to be my own boss, one day
ThEn WOrkInG On A
DAIry FArM MIGhT BE i want to be rewarded for the hard work and
JUST WhAT yOU ArE effort i put into my job each day
lOOkInG FOr.
i want to spend more time with family,
improve the balance between work & home
i want a job that's practical, hands-on
i want to work in an environment that is
innovative and taking on new technologies
i want to feel like i'm part of a real
community spirit
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finDing a Job
StEP 1 the new Zealand dairy season begins on 1
June each year so most new jobs start on
Getting started
this date. farm employment vacancies are
there are opportunities on dairy farms advertised in the lead up to the start of the
throughout the country. the type of season from December to may.
position you apply for will depend on
finding a job can be as simple as
your knowledge and skill levels and the
responding to an advertisement in the
experience you can bring to the job.
newspaper, through on-line classifieds
Decision made? Previous experience does not need to
under farm Vacancies or on
be in dairy farming. it could be anything
If dairy farming is for you www.goDairy.co.nz.
from mechanical skills to management,
the rest of the guide focuses engineering to electronics. if you are talk to friends and other people who
on the seven essential steps motivated, positive and willing to learn know the dairy industry. gather as much
you will need to make to you will quickly grasp the basics. information as possible about dairy farming
successfully navigate your
and what your expectations should be. ask
way through the process of your starting point in dairy farming will
them about the type of work they do, their
finding the right job for you. depend on your knowledge of dairying,
hours and their rewards.
skill level and amount of equity.
remember: It will be better for you
to choose the right job rather than Find out as much as you can. if you can, it’s also a good idea to spend
the first job. The following steps can be a day or a week on a farm to get to know
used as a guide. whether being a dairy farmer is really
for you.
there is considerable help and support
available in the industry, so don’t be
afraid to ask. Check out
www.GoDairy.co.nz as a first step.
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Dairy farming - a kiwi way of life
StEP 2 Cover letter StEP 3
Presentation a cover letter should always be sent to an Develop your job profile
employer attached to the front of your
once you understand what a career in the next step is to work out what you
CV. the aim of the cover letter is to raise
the dairy industry might entail and before really want or need in a job.
the potential employer’s interest in you
you start applying for jobs, you need to
enough for him/her to thoroughly go use the following prompts to clarify your
take some time and plan how you want
through your CV and hopefully invite you expectations. build a clear picture of the
to present yourself to future employers.
for an interview. a poor cover letter can job you seek, but try and keep it simple.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) ruin a great CV – but a good letter can add any other factors you consider
get you the interview you want. there are important.
reading your curriculum vitae (or CV) is examples of cover letters on
probably the first opportunity a potential remember: Not every job will meet
www.kiwicareers.govt.nz or
new employer will have to find out who all your expectations but knowing what
www.seek.co.nz.
you are and what your background is. you you need and want is the first step to
may have an old CV lying around at home. finding it.
it is important to update this and make it
• Can the employer supply you with
relevant to each job you are applying for.
a clear written position description
using a CV template can be the easiest
that accurately reflects the job as you
way to create a good one. there are
understand it?
examples of templates available on
www.kiwicareers.govt.nz or • are you confident the employer has a
www.seek.co.nz or you can develop your reputation for looking after their staff
own as part of the go Dairy placement and being fair?
service: www.GoDairy.co.nz • is there a chance to learn new and
relevant skills?
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finDing a Job
• is the job in a location that meets the
needs of you and your family?
• will you be living in a suitable
standard of accommodation?
• will you have adequate time off?
• are the working hours realistic?
• is a fair remuneration package
included?
• will you be in a friendly working
environment?
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Dairy farming - a kiwi way of life
StEP 4 you can also:
Start looking • Check daily, local and industry-related
newspapers for advertised positions
now that you have your CV and job (e.g. the new Zealand farmers
profile written, it’s time to start looking weekly)
for vacant positions.
• Place a ‘work wanted’ advertisement
Placing a work wanted ad is a in your local press
straight-forward process: • Check or register with recruitment
agencies
1 log on to www.goDairy.co.nz and
click on the classifieds bar on the top • use the internet, check recruitment
of page menu websites such as www.seek.co.nz, the
jobs pages on www.trademe.co.nz
2 Click on the ‘create a work wanted
ad’ tab
See what job opportunities are
3 follow instructions to complete your
available on-farm right now.
advertisement you can also post your
own situations vacant or work
4 when filling in the information
wanted ads. Find our on-line
requested make sure you are honest recruitment noticeboard at
about your experience and sell
www.GoDairy.co.nz.
yourself as a motivated person
willing to learn
5 finally check that your work wanted
ad is correctly displayed by clicking
on the ‘View ad’ button.
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finDing a Job
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Dairy farming - a kiwi way of life
StEP 5 • the type and standard of
accommodation (e.g. three-bedroom
Deciding which
cottage)
interviews to attend
• Day, time and place for the interview
soon after you have applied for a job
use this information and your job profile
or listed your own situations wanted or
from step 3 to ensure that this job fits
classifieds ad, you should start receiving
with your wants and needs. if it does,
some correspondence from employers.
then accept the interview and move
some responses will be positive and
on to step 6. if not, then you need to
employers might offer you an interview
politely decline the opportunity of an
while others will inform you that you
interview.
are not the right person for the job. it is
important that you prepare yourself for
both responses.
once you have been invited to attend an
interview, it is important to gather some
more information about the job before
you decide to accept that invitation. you
should know the:
• location of the farm
• size of the farm (how many cows will
be milked)
• nature of the job
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finDing a Job
StEP 6 • be prepared to go on a farm walk, so • Do not accept a position if offered
ensure you have suitable footwear! either verbally or written, before
Attending interviews
At the interview: seeking advice.
use the interview to present yourself,
• arrive at the appointed time note: A job description or position
your strengths and qualities to the
• make a good first impression description should always be available
employer. it is also the opportunity for
• ask quality questions at interview. However, it is not always
you to find out more about the position
possible to sight an employment
and the employer. here are some tips of • give honest and complete answers
agreement at an interview. Our
what to remember before and during an • find out about the farm’s employment recommendation is that before it is
interview. history signed you MUST get it checked by an
Before you leave home: • ask to speak with existing or previous independent person.
• make sure you have clear directions of employees
where to go and what time you need • ask to see the position description
to be there • ensure there will be an appropriate
• Project the right image via your employment agreement for the role
clothing and personal presentation • Do everything listed on your checklist
• have a checklist of what you want to • look and see how tidy the farm is
cover during the interview to enable
• Do not leave until you are clear about
you to check this position against
what the role entails
your job profile
• assess how well you would
• include your partner as much as you
communicate with the potential
can, to check if the job also fits with
employer
his/her wants and needs
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Dairy farming - a kiwi way of life
StEP 7 has a credible independent party Dealing with being turned down
Accepting or viewed the agreement and agreed with
most people have to deal with this from
the question above?
declining a job time to time. it is important to deal
have you spoken with previous or with these emotions and not to get
no-one can make this important decision current employees who give you disheartened. it is better to look at each
for you. this is something you must take confidence in the employer’s job application as a learning process. Just
responsibility for. we suggest you use the commitment to his/her people? move on and look for the next opportunity.
Decision Check list below to help you
Does this job genuinely meet your when one door closes, another one opens
decide if this is the right job for you.
needs? – it is often a case of being in the right
if you tick yes to all these questions, this place at the right time.
Decision Check List
job fits with your wants and needs. if you once you have got your first job on a dairy
Do you have enough information to
have decided to accept the offer, inform the farm you are on your way. from then on
compare this job to your job profile?
employer in a timely manner. it is up to you to prove your worth to the
Does this position match your
employer and to plan your own career.
job profile? Declining a Job
your performance should be reviewed
have any variations against the not all positions applied for will be right by your employer on a regular basis and
profile been considered and are they for you. it is important you realise that this you will get to know your strengths and
understood? frequently happens and you should not get weaknesses.
are these variations against your job discouraged. be clear about how you will
as you progress you will get to know more
profile acceptable to you? handle declining a position and, if you decide
clearly what opportunities are available for
is there an employment agreement not to accept the offer, let the employer
you to progress in the way you want to.
and position description that clearly know in a timely fashion. not doing this
explains the position as you promptly could have long-term effects
understand it? on your reputation. it is a relatively small
industry and it is amazing ‘who knows who’.
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finDing a Job
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Dairy farming - a kiwi way of life
Dairy farming is a highly skilled business. as you increase your knowledge and skills
many of the skills are learned on the job you will gain increasing responsibility. in
with the help of your employer. other some cases this will require you to shift
learning opportunities are available farms although many large operations
through DairynZ discussion groups, farm now allow career progression within the
The recent trend to
consultants and company representatives. same business.
larger farms and larger
national certificates, diplomas and other
herds means there are Progression through the levels can
tertiary qualifications will be a valuable
now more options for asset for anyone pursuing a career in the
be relatively quick for those who
people who want to industry.
are prepared to demonstrate their
become dairy farmers. commitment and ability to learn.
Increasingly farmers the agriculture ito provides the
who knows what the future will hold
opportunity to learn while you earn
recognise the need to once you are on your way. you might
and massey and lincoln universities
have skilled people even set your goals on farm ownership.
provide both diploma and degree level
who want to learn the with some experience in the industry
qualifications.
business. As a result the you will get a clearer understanding of
pay and conditions are For more information visit: the opportunities it offers and plan your
very competitive. Agriculture ITO -
career accordingly.
www.agricultureito.org.nz
lincoln University –
www.massey.ac.nz
Massey University –
www.lincoln.ac.nz
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Dairy farming - a kiwi way of life
We support dairy farmers as they and reminders on the basics of
progress through their career in a farming through to the latest scientific
variety of ways: research updates and industry
information. log on and discover just
• our career pathway resource will help
DairynZ is the industry how much is going on in this vibrant
you to set goals and plan you career
good organisation within the dairy industry.
industry: www.dairynz.co.nz
representing new • our wide range of tools and resources
This is the start of
Zealand’s dairy will be there to support you at every
a great partnership
farmers. Our work stage of your dairy career, whilst you
between you and DairynZ
develop your skills as a farmer.
includes research throughout your career.
• we financially and actively support
and development to
agito which is the largest provider
create practical on- of agricultural technical training in
farm tools, leading the country.
on-farm adoption of • DairynZ discussion groups offer
best practice farming, a great opportunity to meet
promoting careers like-minded farmers and learn more
about farming practices in your region.
in dairying and
• our website is a comprehensive
advocating for farmers
source of information on-line for
with central and new Zealand’s dairy farmers
regional government. (www.dairynz.co.nz). it covers hints
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Dairy farming - a kiwi way of life
As a dairy farmer you will know that Dairy farming is
you are doing something honest and
building a future for us
worthwhile – for yourself, for your
all. And there are plenty
family, for your community, for the
of jobs available.
country and for the people around the
world who will benefit from the most Find out what positions are available right now on-farm and
place your own work wanted ad. Visit the classifieds pages
important thing you produce – milk. of the Go Dairy website: www.GoDairy.co.nz
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