REALITY 1 - THE WORK

IT IS IMPORTANT NOT TO RUSH INTO THIS CAREER ... until you understand what your daily work life will entail.

Here is a selection of some of the issues you should have discussed with your partner and family and understood before looking for a job on a dairy farm.

• Farming is about being outdoors with animals and machinery and contending with wind, rain and sunshine
• Farming may be about animals but the ability to work with people is vital to those who want to optimise the potential of this career
• Farming is unique in that employees usually live on farm and their employer is often their landlord
• 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
• Work can be physically demanding so you need to have a realistic level of fitness and health
• The farm’s location will have an impact on what services and family support systems are available in the locality
• You must be able to look after yourself when working on-farm, ensuring you are eating well and get plenty of sleep
• You need to work for the ‘right’ people and learn from the best if you wish to develop the right skills and progress
• The financial rewards achieved depend on a variety of factors including your experience, abilities and level of responsibility.

Check out the other realities of working on a dairy farm here