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.
Why join the NextGen Dairy Farmers Programme?
Learn and earn on the job - Work 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.
Connect with other young people - Find your people in farming social networks with other farmers and rural professionals.
Know that your future is secure - You’re getting 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 like no other.
How to get started
1. Apply to be a NextGen Dairy Farmer
Please note: Online applications have now closed. 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.
2. Sit your exams
The best farmers value education and learning. You’ll complete your school exams before starting your on-farm training.
3. Pre-employment training
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.
4. Start your new job
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.
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.
“It takes a range of practical and technical skills to farm. Ultimately as contract milkers we’re self-employed but we’re also a service provider to another business. So understanding things like contracts is important as it’s the foundation of how your business is going to operate and how the relationship is going to work.”
Implement a range of skills to effectively lead team members and improve team performance.
Build your understanding of contracts and budgeting skills to set yourself up for success in contract milking.
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