Milking cows paying off for young farmer

"I went dairy farming because of the possibilities it offers me. Not many jobs allow you to climb the ladder as quickly, becoming a farm manager by 19 and then be able to go off sharemilking by 26," says Cleaver.

"I get to work with a fantastic team, be outdoor with animals, while still enjoying a good lifestyle, including being able to get off farm and pursue by hobbies by going hunting or diving.

"I always encourage people to give it a go and see if you life it. I believe that you never know how you will find it until you just get stuck in."

Cleaver was named Auckland/Hauraki dairy manager of the year at the 2022 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards and received the national DairyNZ people and leadership award.

"The first year I entered the dairy industry awards in 2021, I went in with an open mindset. I was young and just wanted to see what a young person could achieve, and see what I could learn and improve on," says Cleaver.

"When I entered this year, our farm had just had a very good year. I had taken on the feedback from the year before, and ahead of the awards night I knew that I had done everything I could do to win.

"Looking at my future goals, I want to go sharemilking in a few years' time, and I already own some of my own cows to help achieve this. My other goal is to be able to offer others the same opportunities I have received, as I am grateful and want to pass that on to others."

DairyNZ's GoDairy programme continues its recruitment drive showcasing careers, like Cleaver's, in the dairy sector.

DairyNZ strategy and investment leader Nick Robinson says the sector continues to encourage Kiwis to join the sector, as one-third of dairy farms seek to fill on-farm vacancies.

"The dairy sector provides 37,000 on-farm jobs for Kiwis. We want to continue to recruit good people, and there are plenty of opportunities out there for keen Kiwis to join us and get involved, while starting on great salaries and having clear progression pathways," says Mr Robinson.

There are plenty of opportunities for young Kiwis to start on a good salary and be promoted into management roles. Farm managers can earn over $100,000. Becoming self-employed as a farm owner or sharemilker is another option on the career ladder.

Many farms offer reasonably priced on-farm accommodation, which means no commute to work or daily travel costs, helping them save for future goals.

Dairy farm teams work closely with animals, help protect the environment, contribute to their local community and are making a difference to the future of New Zealand.

For more information about joining the dairy sector, visit godairy.co.nz