Growing Future Farmers Fonterra dairy programme expands with second intake
Following positive feedback and interest from both farmers and students, the Growing Future Farmers Fonterra dairy programme is expanding, with expressions of interest open for a second intake in 2027.
Launched earlier this year, the first intake of the programme is underway, with seven farmers and seven students in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
Fonterra farmer Annalyse Huxford, is a farm trainer in the programme, hosting 17-year-old student Tilly Rotherham on the Galatea, Bay of Plenty farm where she is a sharemilker.
Annalyse says she'd been concerned that young people weren't entering the industry or progressing through the ranks, which is part of what drew her to the programme. "The industry isn't always producing the calibre or number of trainees we need coming through."
The two-year programme combines on-farm training with formal NZQA learning to build work-ready graduates, giving young people a supported pathway into dairy.
Since becoming a farm trainer, Annalyse says it’s been rewarding to see students develop new skills and grow in confidence on farm.
Programmes like Growing Future Farmers are fantastic as they help bring through the next generation and set them up for long-term success. It’s given us hope that we can attract more young farmers and keep them engaged.
The Fonterra farmer says the experience has also changed how she sees her own work on farm. “Things that feel like second nature to me are completely new to the students, which really highlights the skills and experience we build over time as farmers.”
Annalyse hopes Tilly leaves with the confidence she needs to become a great dairy farmer and encourages other Fonterra farmers to get involved in the programme.
“It’s incredibly rewarding and satisfying to know you’re playing a part in supporting the future of the industry.”
That impact is already clear in students like Tilly, who says the programme is providing a supported pathway into the dairy industry.
It eases you in gradually rather than throwing you straight into the deep end. It feels like a supportive way to learn the ropes and build confidence from the start.
A highlight for Tilly has been meeting new people and building relationships, while also gaining a wide range of new skills on farm. Learning to drive a tractor has been another standout moment. “I felt proud of myself in that moment. It made me realise that this is something I can see myself doing long-term.”
The programme is designed to evolve over time, ensuring it meets the needs of farmers, the Co-op and the wider dairy sector, while giving young people a real chance to see where a career in dairy could take them.
Fonterra farmers in Waikato and Bay of Plenty can express their interest in taking part in 2027 via the Growing Future Farmers website here and young people aged 16-20 can apply here.