A career in dairy

A diverse range of opportunities

ResearchDiscovering new knowledge and solving industry issues• Post graduate training

– traditionally through universities – as part of an employment package – eg DairyNZ graduate

programme

• Employers – DairyNZ, Crown Research Institutes, Milk processing companies,

Universities, overseas research organisations

• Roles– Scientist, field or lab technician, science management, research

farm management

• Opportunities– flexibility, job variability, working with industry, overseas travel,

conference attendance, career development, presenting to farmers

ResearchKirsty McLeod • B.Sc (Hons) in Agricultural Science & BBS in Agribusiness, Massey

University 2002-2006. • Currently employed by DairyNZ as a Science Intern. • Plans to undertake post-graduate studies with DairyNZ

Karen Turnbull • B.Sc (Hons) Lincoln University• Ex Christchurch GHS• Currently completing her PhD at the University of Queensland.

Thesis Title: Increased efficiency of microbial protein production in rumen through manipulation of nutrients and rumen microbial populations.

• Awarded a Meat and Livestock Australia Junior Research Fellowship in 2006

DevelopmentPackaging knowledge into tools, services and extension

programmes for use by farmers• Employers

– DairyNZ, Fonterra, Crown research institutes

• Roles– Quasi research projects through to development of

extension programmes

• Opportunities– Working with leading researchers, helping to implement

change on dairy farms, ability to build tools and programmes for on-farm use, networking with a wide range of rural professionals, overseas travel, conference presentations

DevelopmentCarolyn Bushell (nee Chitty)• B.Applied Science (Hons), Massey University.

• Business Developer for DairyNZ in Hamilton.

Annabel Craw (nee McCartney)• B.Commerce (Food), Lincoln University • Ex Rangi Ruru School for Girls,, • South Island DairyBase Farm Financial Analyst for DairyNZ.

ExtensionWorking with farmers to improve their business • Employers

– DairyNZ, PGG Wrightson, Farmwise, Farmright, other consultancy firms

• Roles– Group facilitation, extension programme delivery, one-one

consultation, feed budgeting, fieldday facilitation, technical training,

• Opportunities– Working in the field, networking with leading farmers, developers

and scientists, instigating practice change on farms, judging dairy competitions, continually learning and developing new skills, advocates for the industry, company car, job flexibility

ExtensionRandall Aspinall • B.Agr Sci (Hons), Lincoln University, 1999-2002

• Consultant for PGG – Wrightson, Invercargill.

Matthew Rice • B.Agr Sci, Lincoln University ,2004-2007 • Dairy Consultant with Effluent and Irrigation Design, Hamilton.

Support IndustriesProviding services to the dairy sector • Employers

– Feed, fertiliser, seed and milk companies, banks, agricultural suppliers eg RD1, CRT, ATS

• Roles– Technical advisors, sales, nutrient budgeting, feed

budgeting, financial budgeting, planning, mentoring

• Opportunities – Working with farmers, company car, in the field, may work

out of home, job flexibility, networking with a wide range of rural professionals

Support IndustriesGary Breen • B.Agr Sci (Hons), Lincoln University, 1998-2001 • Area Manager Pfizer Animal Health Pfizer, New Zealand.

Kim Leigh-McKenzie • B.Sc (Animal Science), Massey University, 2002-2004• Field Officer, Summit QuinPhos, Northland

FarmingOperating a multi-million dollar dairy farming business• Employers

– Other dairy farmers, corporates, equity partnerships, YOURSELF

• Roles– Farm or herd managers, Sharemilkers, Equity partners,

Operation managers, Farm owners

• Opportunities– Working outdoors, career progression, job flexibility and

diversity, industry leadership, enormous wealth creation, skill development, technical and practical

– Large scale, complex businesses, where financial and strategic planning are crucial. Practical skills and an understanding of interactions (soil, plant, animal, climate, nutrients, supply chain etc) are also required.

FarmingGeorgina Mackie • B.Agr Sci (Hons), Lincoln University, 2003-2006• Ex Rangi Ruru School for Girls • Dairy farming in Southland with her partner, a DairyNZ

Consulting Officer

Bradley Lewis • B.Agr Sci (Hons), Lincoln University, 2004-2007 • Senior Dairy Assistant/Trainee Herd Manager near Rangiora

Employment Prospects• Labour market survey - 2004

– Agriculture, environment and related studies had 85.5% of the graduates employed compared with only 13.7% of IT graduates employed

– 41% of agricultural graduates were employed in agriculture compared with only 13% of creative arts graduates working in cultural and recreational services

– Natural and physical sciences had the highest proportion of graduates earning > $50000 compared with creative arts, hospitality and IT having the highest proportion earning <$20000.

– Natural and physical sciences had the greatest proportion of females earning >$50000

NZ Dairy Industry Scholarship Graduates Employment 2008

22%

23%

9%8%

5%

6%

3%

5%

9%

6%

1%

3%

Dairy Farming

Rural Professionals/Consulting

Rural Banking

Fonterra

DairyNZ

Post Graduate studies

Environment/Science jobs

Other farming (overseas as well)

Overseas

Job Seeking

Accounting

Other Industries