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Anne Douglas and Wendy Paul.
A new farmer-led programme aimed at bringing young people into dairy farming is under way in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
The two-year pilot is delivered in partnership by Fonterra and Growing Future Farmers and pairs students with experienced Fonterra farmer trainers. The programme combines four days a week of practical on-farm experience with one day of study towards an NZQA-accredited qualification to develop skilled and work-ready graduates.
The first intake includes students aged 16 to 18 from Auckland, Waihi, Palmerston North, Morrinsville and Mount Maunganui, many of whom do not come from farming backgrounds but are committed to building long-term careers in dairy.
Janaeya Cooper, 18, from Mount Maunganui is one of the first students to begin the programme and is excited to get the experience she needs for her future.
“I want to step straight into a farm assistant role, and eventually I want to be a farm owner selling my milk to Fonterra. I just really enjoy being outdoors. Being stuck in an office was not for me. Even if I’m drenched in rain, it just makes me very happy.”
Another student, Troy Lyness, 18, from Auckland, says the programme is helping him get a foot in the door of an industry he wants to build a career in.
“There’s lots of options, like going to university, but I’ve decided farming’s where I want to be,” he says. “Not coming from a farming background, the programme will really help with getting connections and opportunities to progress through the dairy industry and hopefully to ownership.”
The students have completed their orientation, taking part in practical activities including a tanker demonstration, milk quality training, vehicle training including Quad Bikes (ATVs), side by sides and two wheelers and meeting the farmer trainers who will host and mentor them. They also visited a Farm Source store to collect essential gear ahead of starting on-farm.
Group director of Farm Source Anne Douglas says the pilot recognises the critical role farmers play in developing the next generation.
“The programme is farmer-led and co-designed by Fonterra to meet the real needs of dairy farms,” Douglas says. “Farmer trainers will provide practical skills and mentorship that will help build confidence and capability over time. A huge thanks goes out to our farmer trainers and their families who are supporting these students.”
Chief executive of Growing Future Farmers Wendy Paul says the programme builds on the success Growing Future Farmers has already seen in the sheep, beef and deer sectors.
“Together, we’re creating clear, supported pathways that help these young people see what’s possible in this industry and step confidently into it. This partnership reflects a shared belief in the power of great training and mentorship, and we’re grateful to the students and farmer trainers who are leading the way by being the first to embrace this programme for the future of dairy.”
Seven farmer trainers will host students and play a key mentoring role, helping them build technical skills, resilience and a strong support network. Students complete the programme with a recognised qualification and real-world farming experience, while farmers help shape future talent for the sector.
The pilot is starting small and is designed to evolve, supporting succession, workforce development and the long-term strength of the dairy industry.
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