Bachelor of Applied Science

Current employment: Contract Milker, Central Southland

School: St Patrick's College, Silverstream 1998-2002

Training institute: Massey University 2003-2005

DairyNZ scholarship recipient: 2003-2005

Upper Hutt city boy James Warren is a previous New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year. His success in this prestigious industry award was the culmination of years of study, overseas farming experience in Canada and Ireland, the support and encouragement of farming mentors in New Zealand, and James’s passion for his chosen career as a dairy farmer.

His pathway into dairy farming was through his interest in farms as a boy. James visited farming relatives in Taranaki and enjoyed being on farm. His later study at Massey University as a DairyNZ Scholarship recipient convinced him that he wanted to be a dairy farmer. James went on his overseas experience, where he farmed in Canada and Ireland and met and married Bronagh. “I was encouraged by friends to return permanently to New Zealand when I was back here for my sister’s wedding.”

The key to his successful entry to dairy farming in New Zealand was the support he got from his first employer, Tony Miles, who encouraged James to enter the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards. James went on to win the New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year whilst working for Tony as a 2IC. James is now managing his own business and currently contract milking 600 cows in Makarewa near Invercargill.