Get into dairying

How to get started

Find out if dairy farming is for you:

• 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 the rewards.
• If you can, it’s also a good idea to spend some time on a farm to get to know 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. Email info@getfresh.co.nz as a first step.
• There is opportunities on dairy farms throughout the country. If you are motivated, positive and willing to learn, you will quickly grasp the basics.

The New Zealand dairy season begins on 1 June each year, so most farm job vacancies are advertised in the lead up to the start of the season from December to May.

• Finding a job can be as simple as responding to an advertisement in the newspaper under farm vacancies.
• The website www.godairy.co.nz has a classifields section listing farm employment opportunities.  You can also post your own work wanted ad.
• The website www.fonterra.com also has a jobs section where you can view positions available on dairy farms. 
• You may also consider contacting a specialist rural recruitment company to discuss the type of position you would like.
• Once you have decided that dairy farming is for you, it’s a good idea to get some on-the-job training.  This may include a national certificate course which is available through AgricultureITO and other organisations. Doing a course before you apply for a job will give you some knowledge and skills and help increase your chances of getting the job you want.