Working on a farm
Seasons
The farming season runs from 1 June to 31 May. Most farmers split their farm work into things that need to be done each season – ie winter, spring, summer and autumn.
There are two main farm types:
Winter milk – these farms supply milk all year round. They tend to milk fewer cows at any one time
Seasonal supply – the busiest time on these farms is during calving and mating (July to December)
Working outdoors
It doesn’t matter whether it rains, hails or shines, there are some jobs that must get done on a dairy farm. But farmers try to use the weather to their advantage and schedule jobs at the right time. They manage soils, water, pastures and fertiliser to make sure they can grow as much grass as possible. More grass means more milk and more money!
Keeping machinery up to scratch
Farmers have to keep their milking machines up to scratch and make sure they’re clean. Hygiene is important when producing milk that will be food for other people.
Farmers also need to operate and maintain motorbikes, tractors and other farm machinery. On large farms this might be done by people with special knowledge in this area.
Looking after animals
All the cows on the farm must be milked every day and they also need feeding and looking after. If cows are happy and healthy, they will produce more milk.
Farmers must monitor the health of their cows and other stock, and do things like drenching to prevent them from getting sick. Other jobs include things like weighing the cows and tagging them.
To stay in the milking herd, a cow must get pregnant ("in calf") and then give birth (calve) each season. Every farmer will tell you that mating and calving are the most important and busiest times on a farm.
Accommodation
As a farmer you will probably live on the farm and housing is normally provided as part of your employment package.
Working with people
Being able to communicate with your employer and with your farm team mates is really important. You will have a lot to learn in the first few years, so listening will be an important skill you need to bring to the job. But don’t be afraid to share your own suggestions with your boss or team mates either!
Farmers also deal with a wide variety of people like vets, rural bankers, farm consultants and fertiliser representatives.
If you want to eventually work on a larger farm, excellent people management and communications skills are a must.