What motivates young farmers?

NATASHA PRICE

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

Age: 24

Role: Farm assistant

Time: 51/2 years (on and off relief milking and learning)

Where: Northland

How did you get into dairy farming?

I was 16, on a dive course, and wasn't sure what I was doing after. I helped a mate cover a silage stack and he offered me two weeks' work while I was on a break between courses and, after the two weeks, I knew what I wanted to do. So, I went back to school for the Ag academy. I wanted to learn more about farming and loved it.

What's surprised you about dairying?

A lot, to be honest, like the amount of work we do to keep the cows happy. Despite the common perspectives of dairy, it isn't a huge polluter.

What are you proud of in your job?

Being with the cows, producing quality milk. I'm also very proud of winning Northland Dairy Trainee of the Year in 2021.

What gives you purpose?

Looking after my family - I have a 4-year-old and another on the way. I love fishing and diving. Also, the hard work we do. I thrive off the sense of achievement of getting the job done - it's a great feeling.

KELLY-ANNE HOPPER

Age: 22

Role: Farm assistant

Time: 3 years

Where: Southland

How did you get into dairy farming?

I grew up on a farm. As soon as I could, I got on a 30-hour flight to Canada and did some travelling and worked as an outdoor instructor. I realised I missed the farm, so I came home and started part-time relief milking, then was offered a full-time position.

What's surprised you about dairying?

Farming has helped me realise how strong I am. It's shown me how much grit and resilience I have. In farming, you really need to look after yourself: eat well, get a good sleep, and your mental health.

What are you proud of in your job?

Very proud to be a farmer. We have a great community around us. We strive to do the best for our animals, and we look out for one another when it really counts.

What gives you purpose?

I'm really into the outdoors. Going hiking, kayaking, rock-climbing - just climbing up hills. I've got into gardening lately and am really loving it. A big part of my life is improving the environment. I love learning about regenerative and biological farming - farming with nature.

FIVE TIMES...

That's how much more likely an employee is to say they plan to leave farming if they feel like their employer doesn't care for them. On the flipside, if you ensure your employees feel valued, are making progress towards their goals and have time for what matters to them, you'll be rewarded with more productivity, and they'll want to stick around.¦ -Inside Dairy