increase font size
DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle.
The dairy sector wants the new Government to lead a strategy supporting the growth of a skilled workforce for the dairy sector.
DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle says young people deserve the opportunity to do well within the agricultural industry.
“We need a strong long-term plan that aligns training through the school curriculum with practical experience on the farm,” says Mackle.
The dairy sector should no longer be a “no options left” career, he says.
“We know how rewarding it can be working in the dairy sector – our farmers are custodians of the land and water, passionate animal lovers, and excellent business people.
“We have initiatives like the Primary Industries Capability Alliance and ‘GrowingNZ’, which promote careers in the primary sector and reach more than 60% of secondary schools and 38,000 students. But we want more of these students to choose the primary sector.
“Farming requires a positive attitude, determination, and tenacity. A young person with these qualities and a strong desire to learn on the job will find farming a satisfying career.”
Mackle also noted that the major parties all had policies to attract young New Zealanders into work, and NZFirst in particular has a focus on providing jobs for New Zealanders before migrants.
“We definitely want to see more kiwi candidates in the regions where the jobs are,” says Mackle.
“But until we have the Kiwi’s with the right training and passion for farming, who are attracted to rural regions, we will continue to fill a genuine need with migrant workers. Migrant workers also add diversity which is particularly important for a globally focussed sector.
“By targeting the right people early on, those that want to be in farming or work in the agricultural sector, we can ensure we are feeding the future employment needs of our country’s primary sector.”
“We believe that a long-term strategy needs to be developed and supported by the future Government to make this a reality.”
DairyNZ has pulled together tactics that will help farmers improve on-farm efficiency and have positive benefits for the environment. These tactics are based on research, data, and lessons from leading farmers.
The design and construction of an effective dairy effluent system is a complex process.
After serving three as a DairyNZ director, Waikato farmer Chris Lewis is ready for another term.
DairyNZ has announced the date for its six-yearly Milksolids Levy vote, which will take place from Monday, 16 February to Friday, 13 March 2026.
DairyNZ has announced the date for its upcoming Milksolids Levy vote.
Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.
Environment Southland's catchment improvement funding is once again available for innovative landowners in need of a boost to get their project going.
The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.
A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.
OPINION: The phasing out of copper network from communications is understandable.
Driven by a lifelong passion for animals, Amy Toughey's journey from juggling three jobs with full-time study to working on cutting-edge dairy research trials shows what happens when hard work meets opportunity - and she's only just getting started.
