STEP 1 - GETTING STARTED

THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES ON DAIRY FARMS ... throughout the country. The type of position you apply for will depend on your knowledge and skill levels and the experience you can bring to the job.

Previous experience does not need to be in dairy farming. It could be anything from mechanical skills to management, engineering to electronics. If you are motivated, positive and willing to learn you will quickly grasp the basics.

Your starting point in dairy farming will depend on your knowledge of dairying, skill level and amount of equity. Find out as much as you can.

 The following steps can be used as a guide:

• There is considerable help and support available in the industry, so don’t be afraid to ask.
• The New Zealand dairy season  begins on 1 June each year so most new jobs start on this date. Farm employment vacancies are advertised in the lead up to the start of the season from December to May.
• Talk to friends and other people who know the dairy industry. Gather as much information as possible about dairy farming and what your expectations should be. Ask them about the type of work they do, their hours and their rewards.
• If you can it’s also a good idea to spend a day or a week on a farm to get to know whether being a dairy farmer is really for you.