To help you understand and plan for change in your farm system, a list of the key skills that may differ across systems has been developed from the Dairy Industry Standard Roles, with input by farming systems specialists at DairyNZ and farmers from across the country.
If you are thinking about changing your farm system, for example from a system 2 to 4, or from system 5 to 3, click on the links in the graph below to see how our focus groups rated the importance of different skills for each farming system.
Different skills for different systems
Click the links below to see farmer experiences about the key skills in their systems.
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Feed Knowledge
Knowledge of different feeds, their feed values and properties.
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Managing pasture
Managing pasture and seasonal weather events.
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Ordering supplements
Ordering supplements at the most effective price.
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Marginal Costs
Managing the marginal costs of production.
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Managing Supplements
Manage supplement storage and feeding out.
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Record Keeping
Record keeping on feed demand, supply, and supplement use.
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Training Staff
Training staff to have the right skills for your farm system.
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Communication
Communication (and negotiation) with suppliers and contractors.
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Advisors
Have support networks, advisers and other farmers, to supply expertise where required.
