A career in dairy A diverse range of opportunities

Research Discovering 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

Research Kirsty McLeod B.Sc (Hons) in Agricultural Science & BBS in Agribusiness, Massey University 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

Development Packaging 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

Development Carolyn 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.

Extension Working 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

Extension Randall Aspinall B.Agr Sci (Hons), Lincoln University, Consultant for PGG – Wrightson, Invercargill. Matthew Rice B.Agr Sci, Lincoln University, Dairy Consultant with Effluent and Irrigation Design, Hamilton.

Support Industries Providing 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 Industries Gary Breen B.Agr Sci (Hons), Lincoln University, Area Manager Pfizer Animal Health Pfizer, New Zealand. Kim Leigh-McKenzie B.Sc (Animal Science), Massey University, Field Officer, Summit QuinPhos, Northland

Farming Operating 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.

Farming Georgina Mackie B.Agr Sci (Hons), Lincoln University, 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, Senior Dairy Assistant/Trainee Herd Manager near Rangiora

Employment Prospects Labour market survey –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 > $50000 compared with creative arts, hospitality and IT having the highest proportion earning <$ –Natural and physical sciences had the greatest proportion of females earning >$50000