Dairy farming
Dairy Farming has been part of New Zealand’s proud farming history and gets better all the time, thanks to innovation and technology.
As the world’s biggest exporter of dairy products, New Zealand process 21 billion litres of milk each year. New Zealand’s quality products are in demand thanks to the country's productive land, healthy livestock, and smart, switched-on farmers and other rural professionals.
Job overview
From starting as a farm assistant, through to contract milking, managing or owning/operating a dairy farm, there are on-job qualifications and industry growth opportunities to support a successful life-long career.
Skills and experience
- Physically fit – dairy farm work can be physically demanding
- Confident and caring with animals
- Patient, adaptable, and practical
- Motivated
- Able to follow a routine
- Able to show initiative and make decisions
- Well organised, goal-focused, and able to think ahead
- Able to work well independently and in a team
- Good at communicating.
News from our learners and employers
Former farm cadet Eilish O’Neill is on a mission towards starting her own farming business, adding to her existing knowledge with the New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Production Management (Level 5), through Primary ITO.
A passion for adult education has driven Primary ITO sector manager Tanya Ingram on a path of professional development while supporting learners and industry over two decades with the organisation.
From the family farm in India to seeking better life opportunities in New Zealand, Primary ITO learner Satbeer Sandhu has embraced a love of learning and passion for dairy farming to grow his career.
A mobile phone app has been trialled to record practical evidence of learners completing the Primary ITO tractor micro-credential, as technology presents new opportunities for enhancing assessment practices.