Thursday, 15 April 2021 07:55

Passion for dairy

Written by  Jessica Marshall
Beauty therapist-turned dairy farmer Tyla Ireland has won the DairyNZ Good Boss competition. Beauty therapist-turned dairy farmer Tyla Ireland has won the DairyNZ Good Boss competition.

A beauty therapist who turned to dairy farming has won the DairyNZ Good Boss competition.

The Good Boss competition asked farmers to say what a good boss meant to them.

Tyla Ireland was excited to become a beauty therapist when she graduated high school, giving others the opportunity to feel confident in their appearances, but found there weren't many opportunities available for new graduates.

"I decided to look at short-term calf-rearing opportunities, which was when I was lucky to be approached for a full-time position on farm."

She says, having been brought up on a dairy farm, she knew what it meant to work on a farm, but never realised it would be her career calling as well.

"Working on farm is such a great lifestyle. I never get tired of driving through the paddocks and seeing the cows and nature, especially in springtime with new calves running around," she says.

Two years later, Ireland works as a herd manager on a 490-cow dairy farm in Otorohanga, while also studying at Primary ITO to upskill and gain more knowledge in dairy farming.

She says the mentorship provided by her employers has been very important to her.

"My managers have provided the appropriate resources to further my skills, which really helped with my growth and progression on farm. This includes providing feedback on my work and how I could improve in different areas."

Ireland explains that having a good boss has made a big difference in her career change, helping her settle into her new job.

"I have been lucky to have had great experiences since starting in the sector. My bosses have all supported my learning and progress, and encouraged me to take on more responsibility," says Ireland.

"Getting up early every morning isn't always easy, but when you are in a great work environment you don't even consider snoozing that 4.30am alarm, you are just excited to go and work with your team."

More like this

Dairy power

OPINION: The good times felt across the dairy sector weren't lost at last week's Beef + Lamb NZ annual meeting.

Inequality 'is on the rise'

Economist Shamubeel Eaqub is warning that inequality between countries has fallen markedly over the past 200 years but inequality and political polarisation within countries was on the rise.

Featured

Farmers will adapt amid global trade turmoil

New tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump signal an uncertain future, but New Zealand farmers know how to adapt to changing conditions, says Auriga Martin, chief executive of Farm Focus.

National

Machinery & Products

Amazone extends hoe range

With many European manufacturers releasing mechanical weeding systems to counter the backlash around the use and possible banning of agrochemicals,…

Gong for NH dealers

New Holland dealers from around Australia and New Zealand came together last month for the Dealer of the Year Awards,…

A true Kiwi ingenuity

The King Cobra raingun continues to have a huge following in the New Zealand market and is also exported to…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Dairy power

OPINION: The good times felt across the dairy sector weren't lost at last week's Beef + Lamb NZ annual meeting.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter