The Real World

Money man

It was an inspirational agricultural lecturer at Massey University who helped Alex Moore decide he wanted a career in the dairy industry. 

“I took a dairy paper in my final year and I was inspired by the lecturer and the paper, so I targeted the Waikato – the heart of the dairy industry - for a position with ASB.”

Alex, who grew up in South Canterbury on his parents' sheep, beef and cropping farm, studied not only a Bachelor of Applied Science but also a Graduate Diploma in Rural Studies at Massey University in Palmerston North.

Today he is a rural manager for ASB, after completing the popular graduate programme. “The graduate programme is great as you have a mentor to ease you into the role and you get really good training,” he said.

Alex chose to be a rural manager because he enjoys the numbers aspect as well as being out on-farm. “I love the culture of the dairy industry. You’re doing what you love and at the same time you’re picking up skills from some of the best farmers in the world.

“My job consists of helping farmers with their financial needs from buying a new farm to being supportive in tough times, like the drought.”

Unlike most jobs in the dairy industry, the months leading up to June 1 are the busiest time for a rural manager, as this is when farmers buy more cows, new farms or new equipment.

Alex says he gets the best of both worlds in his job. “During a typical week I can spend two or three days out in the field visiting clients, going to open days or being involved in the community. The other two days are spent in the office putting together proposals and doing office work. There is a good balance of variety in the job."

“I really love working in the dairy industry as it’s a progressive with forward-thinking people."

"To be a successful rural manager you need to enjoy working with people and be customer-focused, approachable, have the ability to work with big numbers and have a good understanding of the practical side of farming.”

Alex’s advice to anyone thinking about becoming a rural manager: “Talk to a banker about the right papers to take at university and spend a day out in the field with one.”