The Real World

Living the dream 

Meet Fletcher Fraser. His father was a shepherd and it’s always been his childhood dream to be a dairy farmer. Fletch has been a farm hand since January 2008 and he’s loving every minute!

What is Fletcher’s typical day?

“I get up about 4.45am, milk, do work around the farm and milk again in the afternoon.”

And what are the perks of the job?

“I just love being out in the fresh air! It’s my ambition to own my own farm one day.”

Fletcher has discovered that it’s easy to move up the career ladder if you’re willing to work hard. 

“My bosses moved from a smaller farm with 270 cows and now they’re on a bigger one with 535 cows. One of the reasons they took the bigger job was because my mate and I moved with them. Employers are always looking for reliable workers. At the moment I am a farm assistant but in the future I am planning to become a herd manager with more responsibility. My boss said I would go far in this industry.”

What kind of job qualities does someone need to be a farm assistant?

“You need to be reliable, not afraid to do long hours and be good with animals. Try relief milking to see if farming’s for you. I did half a season on my girlfriend’s uncle’s dairy farm when I was 17. If you know someone in the industry, approach them about a job and get work experience.”