Photo credit NZ Young Farmers
NextGen Dairy Farmers Programme
Looking for a hands-on career where you can learn, earn, and make a real impact?
The NextGen Dairy Farmers Programme is designed for Year 12 and 13 students and provides a supported transition from school into dairy farming.
If you enjoy problem-solving, technology, science and animals – and you have a natural ability to lead – dairy farming could be the perfect fit for you. You’ll gain hands-on experience, earn while you learn, and be fast-tracked through the industry. With support from top industry experts, leading farmers, and trusted organisations, you’ll have everything you need to build a successful career in dairy.
Currently available only in Canterbury. Open to New Zealand citizens and residents.
Applications are open
from 1 April to 30 May 2025
Curious about dairy farming? Visit the NextGen Taster Day!
Come along to a NextGen Taster Day and give it a go! You’ll get hands-on with farm tasks and see how this programme can set you up with a paid job and training after school finishes.
When: 16 May 2025
Time: 10am to 2pm
Location: Lincoln University Dairy Farm
Lunch is provided by Farm Source, registrations are essential for catering by 13 May.
Why join the NextGen Dairy Farmers Programme?
- Learn and earn on the job working for an employer who upholds the very best dairy industry standards from people to environmental stewardship and animal care
- Feel good about your contribution – you will be feeding the world and New Zealand, and contributing to one of New Zealand’s largest industries. You are important
- Connect with other young people and find your people in farming social networks with other farmers and rural professionals
- Know that your future is secure – you’re being provided a start that no other New Zealand school leavers who become dairy farmers have ever been offered
- Work with animals, machines and technology in a physical outdoor job that is like no other
How to get started
Apply to be a NextGen Dairy Farmer (1 April to 30 May)
Online applications are open from 1 April to 30 May 2025.
Successful applicants will go through an interview process and find out about pre-employment training and work placement options in Canterbury. Ideally, you’ll be within an hour of home. Interviews are early July, and successful applicants are notified later that month.
Applications are now open!
Sit your exams (late 2025)
The best farmers value education and learning. You’ll complete your school exams before starting your on-farm training.
Pre-employment training (December 2025)
Once accepted, you’ll join a three-week pre-employment training programme alongside other NextGen future farmers. Held on a Canterbury dairy farm, you’ll learn about working with stock, complete vehicle and machinery training (motorbikes and ATVs), milking and the dairy shed, and keeping yourself safe and well on-farm. We’ll help with transport and farm clothing to get you started.
Start your new job (January 2026)
This is where your dairy career begins! You’ll start as a trainee farm assistant with a vetted employer committed to the best farming practices. For the first six months you’ll earn as you learn, working on-farm for 32 hours and one eight-hour training day per week. You will have regular catchups with a learning advisor and live on or near the farm – depending on location and your preferences. Dairy farming has so much to offer for the right people.
Go for a career and a lifestyle
Dairy farming is working with animals, protecting the environment, contributing to your local community, and making a real difference to the future of New Zealand.
Applications are now open
from 1 April to 30 May 2025
Become a Host Farmer
Help grow the next generation.
Want to know more?
The NextGen Dairy Farmers Programme is a Dairy Training and DairyNZ initiative. Students, education professionals, parents and caregivers are welcome to contact Learning Advisor Jo Loe for more information.
jo.loe@dairytraining.co.nz
027 323 2233
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