A typical career path
Dairy Assistant → Herd Manager → Assistant Manager or 2IC → Manager → Operations Manager → Own business
Your first step into farming is likely to be as a dairy assistant where you learn the ropes and gain the skills needed to advance your career. Once you have one or two years’ experience, you can become a herd manager, assistant manager then a farm manager. In four to five years, if you want to be your own boss, you can become a sharemilker and run your own business.
Dairy Assistant
In this “hands on” entry level role you will be involved in the day-to-day farming operation and learn many new skills.
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Personal qualities
Can follow instructions – Follows work routines and direction.
Can-do attitude – Approaches tasks and responsibility with enthusiasm and willingness.
Flexibility – Willing to adapt to fit in with the farm team.
Team player – Can work with other team members.
Trustworthy – Other team members can trust you to do the right thing.
Willingness to learn – Eager to learn new skills and put learning into practice on the farm.
Tidy, organised and punctual – Will be where you say you are going to be on time.
Respectful – Of all other staff members, cows and farm equipment.
Communication – written and verbal – Able to communicate clearly with other team members. Both written and verbal.
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Duties may include
Feeding
You’ll be helping to feed the cows, calves and any other stock on the farm. You may be involved with allocating the feed and driving machinery to feed it out and checking to make sure the animals have had enough to eat.
Milk harvesting
The engine room of any dairy farm and where you can get your hands dirty. You’ll be putting cups on cows and learning how the milk gets from the cows to the vat for collection.
Animal health
Keeping an eye on the cows will be a crucial part of your role. You will work with your manager to identify and help any animals with problems while also getting involved with things like reproduction, herd testing and preventative measures such as drenching calves.
Environmental management
This may involve shifting the effluent spreader and along with your manager keeping an eye on the system to make sure it’s working well. It can also involve spraying, fencing and planting trees and plants along waterways to help improve the farm’s environmental impact.
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Training
Farm assistants don’t always need formal training. When hiring, most employers will consider your attitude and personal qualities. You can expect to receive a large amount of informal on-the-job training.
Formal training
Primary ITO
- L3 Vehicles, Machinery and Infrastructure - For farm assistants and those requiring vehicle and safety training at any level
- L3 Dairy Livestock Husbandry - For farm assistants who want to gain skills and knowledge in dairy breeding, health and husbandry
- L3 Milk Harvesting - Recommended for farm assistants and those new to the industry
Search Primary ITO training
FarmSafe
Informal training
As a farm assistant you will work closely with your manager or farm owner, you will have opportunities to ask questions and be shown how to do tasks. Other informal training methods include:
DairyNZ
- Career Pathways
- PeopleSmart
- Farm discussion groups
- QuickPlan - QuickPlan helps develop a life plan within two hours
- Personal budgeting templates - DairyNZ has developed simple budget templates and guides
- MilkSmart - Practical tips, advice, and ideas for milking smarter, finding another hour and saving another dollar
- StockSense - Tips on surviving the busiest time in the farming calendar
Farmer networking
- New Zealand Young Farmers - A progressive and dynamic social network for rural youth which develops the leadership and personal skills of members through participation and achievement
- Dairy Women’s Network - A vibrant community of women committed to adding value to the business of dairy
- Migrant dairy groups
Find out about formal and informal learning opportunities for dairy assistants here.
Herd Manager
As herd manager you may have some staff working under you or be responsible for completing key areas of work. As a general rule, you should only require limited supervision for most tasks on farm.
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Experience required
Generally one to two years' farm experience. While no management experience is required, the desire to support and supervise staff is critical to success.
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Duties
Herd managers take responsibility for some day–to-day operations, running the dairy shed and other routine tasks.
Feeding
You may be responsible for the day-to-day tasks of feeding one herd which could involve allocating feed, putting up fences and feeding supplement. You will generally be working with your manager to optimise the amount of feed the cows consume.
Milk harvesting
You’ll be milking the cows and quite likely be expected to run the milking routine. You may be expected to assist and manage junior or relief staff.
Animal health
Keeping an eye on the cows will be a crucial part of your role. You will work with your manager to identify and help any animals with problems while getting involved with things like reproduction, herd testing and preventative measures such as drenching calves.
Environmental management
This may involve shifting the effluent spreader and, along with your manager, keeping an eye on the system to ensure it’s working well. It can also involve fencing and planting trees and plants along waterways to help improve the farm’s environmental impact.
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Personal qualities
Patience – Towards other team members and livestock.
Focused on improvement – Finding more efficient ways to do things by coming up with new ideas and evaluating how they could be included in the farm system.
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Training
A large range of training is available for herd managers and since you are still in a supervised role, there is opportunity for you to ask your manager questions.
Formal training
Primary ITO
- Livestock Feeding Level 3 - Recommended for those who have been working on a dairy farm for at least one year .
- Dairy Farming Level 4 - Recommended for herd managers and those with several years experience in the dairy industry who are looking to move into positions of more responsibility on farm
Search Primary ITO training.
Informal training
Herd managers work closely with the manager or farm owner. You’ll have opportunities to ask questions and be shown how to do tasks.
Other informal training methods include:
DairyNZ
- Calf rearing (basic)
- Lameness - The Healthy Hoof programme focuses on prevention of lameness in conjunction with information and training on management and treatment of lame cows
- Biz Start - Designed to meet the needs of farmers in the variable order, contract milker, herd manager, 2IC and farm manager positions that are looking to progress in the dairy industry
- Healthy Udder - Use Healthy Udder to improve systems and practices on individual farms
Farmer networking
- Young farmers - A progressive and dynamic social network for rural youth which develops the leadership and personal skills of members through participation and achievement
- Dairy Women’s Network - A vibrant community of women committed to adding value to the business of dairy
- Migrant dairy groups
Find more information on formal and informal learning opportunities for herd managers here.
Assistant Manager
Assistant managers assist with the day-to-day management activities linked to farm production. You will implement farm policies and plans including day-to-day planning and staff management in the absence of the farm manager or owner.
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Experience required
Ideally one to two years' experience working as a herd manager and a minimum of three to four years on farm.
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Duties
Duties
Assistant managers work under a manager or farm owner but may be required to step in and run the farm with minimal direction for extended periods of time.
Farm productivity
- Completing documentation required on farm, with minimal support
- Ensuring all farm policies are implemented
- Gathering information on farm to influence feeding decisions i.e. farm walks and grass cover
- Knowledge and understanding of production targets
- Carrying out a feed budget and working out when supplementary feed is needed. Also understanding if cows are being fed the correct amount by analysing post grazing residuals
Milking
- You will have overall responsibility for all milking activities, troubleshooting, rectifying problems and knowing when further advice or help is required
- Keeping an eye on the tanker docket
- Helping to shape decisions regarding drying off through discussions with farm manager
Animals
- Implementing the preventative animal health programme for common health issues including mastitis, milk fever, lameness, grass staggers and ketosis
- Monitoring and reporting cow condition including body scoring, and discussing their management
- Implementing the mating plan, including the management of non-cycling cows and synchronising cows
- Managing calving in farm manager’s absence
- Diagnosing, treating and knowing when to seek further assistance for animal health problems
- Undertaking good animal welfare practice
Business
- Planning farm tasks ahead of time and knowing what preparation and supplies are needed
- Be aware of monthly cash flows
- Monitoring operational key performance indicators (KPI’s) and reporting results
Natural resources
- Working within consent guidelines and proactively taking steps to ensure there is no breach of consents
- Knowing and managing factors which impact on waterways
People
- Training new staff
- Allocating jobs within the team
- Running the farm in the farm manager’s absence
- Responsible for the wellbeing, wellness and health and safety of staff
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Personal qualities
Works without direction – Prioritising work to be carried out on farm, without instruction or direction from others.
Trustworthy – Other team members can trust you to do the right thing.
Social perceptiveness – Being aware of other people and their viewpoint. Understanding why they react as they do and the impact you have on others.
Stockmanship – Recognising changes in animal behaviour that may indicate a health issue.
Judgement – Quickly processing information and making the best possible decision from the options identified.
Focussed on improvement – Looking for more efficient ways of doing things. Coming up with new ideas and evaluating how they could be included in the farm system.
Forward thinking – Considering upcoming issues and workloads and proactively taking action. Long term thinking and planning.
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Training
Assistant manager training can be a mixture of formal and informal training. As people progress, there can be additional emphasis on written and verbal communication skills.
Formal training
Primary ITO
- Production Management - Suitable for people with several years experience who are looking to move into positions with more responsibility on farm with a focus on farm production
- Effective Leadership Level 3 - Recommended for all aspiring and current supervisors, managers or employers who are responsible for staff
- Dairy Farming Level 4 - Recommended for herd managers and those with several years experience in the dairy industry who are looking to move into positions of more responsibility on farm
Search Primary ITO training.
Informal training
DairyNZ
- QuickStart Recruitment Kit - A simple starting point for farmers when employing staff
- People Productivity Kit - Your solution to managing employees for great performance
- Body Condition Scoring - Information about Body Condition Scoring (BCS) including how-to guides, videos, and the certified assessors list
- Budget templates and guides - DairyNZ has developed simple budget templates and guides
- SmartSAMM - SmartSAMM provides tools and resources to help dairy farmers and advisers better manage mastitis and milk quality
Find out about formal and informal learning opportunities for assistant managers here.
Operations Manager
Operations managers or farm supervisor roles are often associated with a large scale dairy farming business which can have a number of farms. Operational roles are strategic in nature and directly responsible for returning farm or shareholder profits and ascertaining long term farm viability.
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Experience required
Operations manager is well versed and competent in all areas of production and staff management.
After five years of on-farm experience and having worked as an effective farm manager, you will have expertise in all the required elements for proactive farm management. You will have considerable experience in managing staff and be able to effectively communicate at all levels of the business.
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Duties
As operations manager you will be responsible for planning, reviewing, executing and reporting against the overall business goals. You’ll be in charge of farm management and your responsibilities will cover all areas including budgeting, targets and resource requirements. You may be responsible for multiple farms.
Farm productivity
- Creating farm polices related to milking, breeding, feeding and calving
- Communicating farm policies and any changes
Milking
- Setting KPI’s (key performance indicators) and performance targets
Animals
- Formulating, communicating and monitoring animal welfare policies
Business
- Monitoring and analysing cash-flow
- Outlining the farm budget and communicating how funds should be allocated
- Analysing investment
- Analysing risk and sensitivity, including worst case scenarios
- Setting and monitoring key performance indicators and production targets e.g. return on equity and cost of production
- Setting clear goals and expectations especially in the company structure and linking these to farm systems and goals
- Identifying and assessing future business growth opportunities
- Formulating and constructing the business plan in conjunction with stakeholders
Environment
- Applying for and updating water, irrigation and building resource consents to ensure they are compliant
- Setting out farm nutrient management plans with a direct link to fertiliser use
- Managing development projects to expand the farm, update capital projects and farm systems
People
- Setting and reviewing the human resource strategy, including sourcing staff and increasing the capability of staff
- Modelling good behaviour to promote a positive workplace culture
- Understanding employer obligations and knowing when to seek specialist employment advice
- Responsible for the wellbeing, wellness, health and safety of staff
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Personal qualities
Strategic planning – Reviewing options available and selecting the most appropriate whilst keeping an eye on the big picture and medium or long term business plan.
Calm and collected – The ability to remain calm and composed regardless of current business pressures or immediate issues.
Informed – Networking and reading widely. Staying abreast of the issues that are impacting on dairy farming practices and profitability. Translating this into action on farm.
Values – Aligning with other staff or business partners and business goals.
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Training
Farm managers need a wide range of knowledge and to know who to call if they are unsure about something. Training can come in a variety of forms:
Formal training
Primary ITO
- Diploma in Agribusiness Management
- Human Resource Module
- Resource Management and Planning Module
- Business and Finance Module
- Ownership and Risk Module
- Taxation and Investment Module
- Property Report
- Mastitis Management
Search Primary ITO training.
University qualifications
- Diploma in Farm Management
- Bachelor of Agriculture
- Bachelor of Agricultural Science
- Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture)
See The University of Waikato, Lincoln University and Massey University
Informal training
DairyNZ
- QuickStart Recruitment Kit - The QuickStart recruitment kit is a simple starting point for farmers when employing staff
- People Productivity Kit - Your solution to managing employees for great performance
- Body Condition Scoring - Information about Body Condition Scoring (BCS) including how-to guides, videos, and the certified assessors list
- Budget templates and guides - DairyNZ has developed simple budget templates and guides
- SmartSAMM - SmartSAMM provides tools and resources to help dairy farmers and advisers better manage mastitis and milk quality
Find out about formal and informal learning opportunities for operations managers here.
Farm manager
Farm managers are responsible for meeting farm goals, including all aspects of production, stock, environmental and staff management. You are likely to be involved in the budgeting process, but will not set the budget.
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Experience required
Ideally you will have a minimum of five years’ experience working on farm and will have gained an overview of all the required elements needed for farm management. You will also have experience managing staff.
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Duties
Farm managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of the farm.
Farm productivity
- Monitoring seasonal weather events and assessing how they will affect the farm system (e.g. pasture growth rates and pasture damage).
- Balancing production and cost to meet farm policy.
- Planning and implementing pasture improvement programme including deciding which paddocks need re-grassing.
- Implementing cropping policy on farm.
Milking
- Organise herd tests as per farm policy.
- Monitoring records and/or ensuring only quality information goes to the operations manager.
Animals
- Putting together breeding programmes that maximise genetic gain.
- Co-ordinating with breeding company and vet regarding mating plan requirements.
- Setting and monitoring the calving and calf rearing plan to meet farm policy.
- Setting annual plans for animal health programmes.
- Deciding whether to cull or treat stock.
Business
- Ordering supplies at most economical price.
- Organising all contractors to meet farm policies and budgets.
- Maintaining knowledge of and planning to meet key performance indicators.
- Monitoring and working within budget guidelines for cost/ expenses.
- Maintaining knowledge of cost of production.
Environment
- Setting effluent plan and monitoring system.
- Making sure all plans are implemented, monitored and up to date to meet compliance requirements.
- Following milk processor’s quality assurance practices e.g. Dairy Diary.
People
- Creating rosters for staff, including calf rearers or seasonal employees.
- Allocating role responsibilities i.e. who does what.
- Monitoring performance.
- Conflict resolution.
- Allocating the appropriate training relevant to the budget and individuals training needs.
- Building a team culture that supports the farms goals and values.
- Staff gap analysis and assessing/ implementing training requirements.
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Personal qualities
Empathy – Listening to and resolving concerns highlighted by staff. Acknowledging those concerns to be ‘real’ for the individual involved.
High level communicator – Effective communication skills across all levels of the farm. Able to describe strategic decisions and plans.
Day to day decision making – Considering the most appropriate action and implementing it.
Forward thinking – Considering upcoming issues and workloads and proactively taking action.
Open minded – Listening to the views of others and developing personally as a result.
Diversity awareness – Acknowledging and working with other people’s strengths and weaknesses, perspectives and points of view.
Initiative/problem solving – Identifying problems, proposing options and implement solutions for day to day or one off occurrences.
Calm and collected – Especially when the farm is under pressure during calving or when there is an urgent issue.
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Training
Farm managers need a wide range of knowledge and to know who to call if they are unsure about something. Training can come in a variety of forms:
Formal training
Primary ITO
- Diploma in Agribusiness Management
- Human Resource Module
- Resource Management and Planning Module
- Business and Finance Module
- Ownership and Risk Module
- Taxation and Investment Module
- Property Report
- Mastitis Management
Search Primary ITO training.
University qualifications
- Diploma in Farm Management
- Bachelor of Agriculture
- Bachelor of Agricultural Science
- Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture)
See The University of Waikato, Lincoln University and Massey University
