The Real World

In the know

Richard Snell knew from a young age he wanted to be involved in the dairy industry.

“Growing up on a dairy farm in Te Awamutu, I saw how progressive the industry was and wanted to be a part of it.”

Richard spent four years in Christchurch studying agricultural science at Lincoln University. “I loved university because there is nothing like it. In the first week you have made several lifelong friends.”

Today, Richard is a consulting officer for DairyNZ. 

“I wanted to work for an industry good organisation, compared to a private consultancy firm, because of the training you are given and at DairyNZ you have access to all the right people and up-to-date information to pass onto your farmers.”

On a typical day Richard can be found out and about visiting farmers in his region on an individual basis, spending time in the office answering farmers queries via email or phone, at training events, attending meetings with rural professionals to find out the latest information or running discussion groups for farmers.

“During the busiest months I’m running discussion groups flat-out.” 

Discussion groups are an important component of farmer learning. It is a way for consulting officers to pass on information about new research trials, new technology or products and provides a forum for farmer-to-farmer learning.

“At other times of the year, like calving, when farmers are busy, I’m planning the year ahead and involved in training to make sure I’m up-to-date with what is happening in the industry.”

Richard says his favourite part of the job is that his advice is not biased.

“You are not trying to sell products, you are just there to help farmers meet their goals and make more money."

“As a consulting officer you get to work with farm systems, plant science, financials, soils, animal health and human resources. There is so much variety.”

His advice to those wanting a career in the dairy industry: “Talk to people in the industry, as it can help open up many opportunities. If you’re interested in going to university, do an agricultural degree. There are so many careerpaths you can take at the end and it’s a fun-packed three or four years.”