The Real World

Tony has done it all – travel, office work and even a stint as a chef – but nothing has come close to the satisfaction of working on a dairy farm. 

After nine years in the dairy industry, Tony took a short break to travel, but is back and more determined than ever to progress his career.  And he’s made a good start as a farm manager.

Having a young farm hand, Ellis, has helped make the transition to farm manager easier, not to mention adding to the fun.  Tony’s experience means he knows what he is talking about and enjoys showing the keen 19-year-old the ropes, while fitting in some good-natured ribbing.

Tony jokingly refers to Ellis as his ‘mule’, but his respect for the young worker is clear when he admits Ellis is pretty good for a young guy still learning the basics.

“It’s heaps better having someone about the same age around. We’ve struck a good balance, we muck around a bit during our breaks but we also work really hard,” says Tony.

So why does he like the job so much?

Like Ellis, Tony loves hands-on work and the outdoor lifestyle dairy farming provides.

“I even like it when it’s raining, I like being outside and I like working with the animals. It beats being in an office. You’re your own boss really.”

With his wealth of knowledge, what advice would Tony give to teenagers thinking of a dairy farming career?

“Look into further study,” he says.

While Tony says on-farm experience has been invaluable, in hindsight he would have preferred to study toward an agriculture degree with commerce, or something similar.

“Dairy farming is not just about milking cows like most people think it is.”

Following his own advice, Tony is planning to continue his own education by taking business management and financial planning courses through AgITO.

Another piece of advice Tony offers is to be selective when job hunting.

“It is important to get the right job, which gives you what you want from a career in the dairy industry.  Interview employers just as much they interview you,” says Tony.

“It’s also not a bad idea to get references from previous workers.”