NextGen Dairy Farmers Programme Launches Young Kiwi Careers in Dairy
A 12-month pathway programme has helped kickstart a career in dairy for an 18-year-old student-turned-farmer.
A Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Honours graduate she started her career in the sheep and beef sector and switched to dairying when her husband Wynn converted their Waikato farm ‘Tiroroa’ 30 years ago. Her sector leadership journey started in 2010 after 10 years in community leadership.
After raising four children she returned to the workforce when the couple won the Farm Environment Awards for Waikato, and she was asked to be regional coordinator.
Her first experience with governance was when she chaired the Matamata Kids Toy Library before joining the board of Matamata Intermediate School for six years, including three years as chair, followed by the Dairy Women’s Network Board.
She was elected to the DairyNZ Board in 2019, becoming the first female Chair in 2024.
“Female representation has come a long way,” she says.
“The sector has evolved and reflects the diversity of the modern world.
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“It’s great to see young women come into the industry and be really clear on their ‘why’ and passionate about making a difference.
“They are well connected and well supported, quite different than when I started out.”
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Tracy Brown |
Upper South Island Regional Manager Anna Fodie said she wanted to show her daughters that women can lead and thrive in dairy.
She has been a low-order sharemilker and contract milker for over 12 years. Before joining DairyNZ in 2020, she worked with Primary ITO and Asure Quality as part of the Mycoplasma Bovis response.
As Regional Manager she leads a team that works alongside farmers in the Upper South Island to help them better manage their farms and farm systems.
“In this job you get a chance to talk to farmers directly and it’s great seeing the progression of people through dairying,” she says.
“It’s important to me personally as well - I want my two daughters to see great female role models in the sector.”
DairyNZ scientist Stacey Hendriks has had a diverse career after beginning her science journey over 10 years ago.
She has completed her Master’s and PhD and worked as a researcher in New Zealand and Ireland before joining the science team at DairyNZ in 2023.
Her research has focused on using large datasets to help develop practical solutions that support farmers in improving the management, detection, and treatment of health issues in dairy cows, while also strengthening understanding of dairy cow behaviour and welfare.
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Stacey Hendriks |
“As a younger female scientist, I've had to learn to trust my abilities and expertise in rooms where leadership isn't always attributed to someone of my age and gender,” she says.
“The way I lead aligns with my values. I actively create space for diverse perspectives and approach situations with empathy and curiosity.”
She said leadership can show up in different ways- making sure all types of voices are heard, doing things differently, and not being afraid to challenge the status quo.
