What motivates young farmers?

• Published date: 10 August 2022

❏Age: 23 ❏Role: Farm assistant ❏Time: 7 months ❏Where: Waikato

How did you get into dairy farming?

I lived on a small dairy farm my whole life. I studied the bachelor of science (zoology/ecology) at Massey University. After uni, I was looking for jobs and kept seeing farming jobs, so decided to give it a go. I did the DairyNZ Go Dairy Farm Ready course at Scott Farm in 2020. This made me want to get into farming even more. It seemed like a positive work environment.

What’s surprised you about dairying?

I didn’t think there would be so much support. We have support from our neighbours and discussion groups, and I’ve joined Young Farmers. There are so many people who’d give you a hand if you were struggling.

What are you proud of in your job?

The way we care for the animals, making sure they have food and water and are happy and healthy. Also, when you help calve a cow — it’s a pretty cool feeling bringing a little calf into the world.

What gives you purpose?

I love animals. I like going on bush walks and taking photos of native birds. Seeing friends and family and keeping a good work-life balance.

OWEN VELTMAN

❏ Age:21 ❏Role: Herd manager summer 21/22 Starting as a 2IC in 22/23 season ❏Time: This summer ❏Where: Canterbury

How did you get into dairy farming?

I grew up in it and fell in love with farm life. Studied at Lincoln (bachelor of commerce – agriculture), so knew I wanted to be involved in the industry, but wasn’t sure what that was heading into my degree. Good equity pathways is a good motivator. Also, I love being outside and dairy is a good way to do that.

What’s surprised you about dairying?

One thing I’ve learnt from this farm is how calculated you can get. In past jobs, it’s all been done by eye, so pasture management has been a weak point for me. On this farm, there’s reasoning behind it. Maybe not surprising but it’s been a big learning experience.

What are you proud of in your job?

Seeing my own development in the role. I had the ‘idiot’ phase where I made lots of mistakes. Now I’m competent in my role and I’m proud of that. Building skills that are necessary for the role, like finding mastitis cows or pulling out lame cows — they’re little things that give you confidence in your abilities.

What gives you purpose?

I really enjoy hunting, snowboarding and surfing — but especially hunting. Most of my weekends off are heading into the hills to get a good stag, chamois or tahr. I recently got a 13.5-inch tahr — best one so far.

POUTAMA TOTO

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