NZ Dairy Industry
Did you know…
The dairy industry is predicted to have a strong year in 2025 off the back of good prices paid for its milk products. It’s a good industry to consider beginning a new career. Most farmers appreciate their staff, and many have worked with job seekers.
Starting salaries can begin at $50,000 for new dairy assistants. You will be rostered to start work early and will have to work long hours each day. Most farms milk twice a day. Some farms will have accommodation options. You will be working outside and in the milk shed. Dairy farms are across the country from Northland to Southland. So give some thought to placement in areas where you have friends and family to support you. The first six months will be hard, but you will learn many skills.
Each farm employer will discuss their farm and how they operate with you in the employment interview. You can ask how they will support you as you start your career.
Career opportunities are significant, and you can progress quickly to better pay and more responsibility. Most dairy farmers are willing to train and develop their good workers. There’s lots to understand about dairy farming but you can start out by doing most of your learning on the job. The dairy assistant course will have given you a good foundation.
Experienced dairy farm assistants are in demand. Once you have gained experience you can progress on farm or move to another farm or region.
Our Get Milking NZ! programme has three easy steps:
Step 1 – Register for the Diary Taster Course
Register your interest and enrol in a short online taster course to get a feel for what it’s like working in the Diary industry. You can start here
Step 2 – Enrol in the Dairy Assistant Course
Enrol in the Agricademy online Dairy Assistant Course. There are lots of videos, no classrooms and you work at your own pace to complete the course on your own mobile device or computer. Once completed you will receive a certificate to include with your CV and job application. Agricademy will support you all the way if you have any questions or issues.
Step 3 – Look For a Job
Once you have your Dairy Assistant certificate you can load your profile along with your certificate and CV on the Get Milking NZ candidate board. Farmers can connect with you and talk about opportunities and MSD can support you once a farmer has expressed an interest in employment.
Farmers understand that when you start work you will need to learn about dairy farming and be trained. Having a dairy assistant certificate gives you the confidence to understand the job before you start work. Farmers benefit from that knowledge and confidence. Our most frequent feedback from farmers about the trainees that have completed the Dairy Assistant Course is that they are impressed with the questions and engagement the trainees show right from the start of their employment.