Growing Future Farmers programme gets underway
A new farmer-led programme aimed at bringing young people into dairy farming is under way in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
The two-year pilot is delivered in partnership by Fonterra and Growing Future Farmers and pairs seven students with seven experienced Fonterra farmer trainers.
The programme combines four days a week of practical on-farm experience with one day of study towards an NZQA-accredited qualification to develop skilled and work-ready graduates.
The first intake includes students aged 16 to 18 from Auckland, Waihi, Palmerston North, Morrinsville and Mount Maunganui.
Janaeya Cooper, 18, from Mount Maunganui, is one of the first students to begin the programme and is excited to get the experience she needs for the future.
“I want to step straight into a farm assistant role, and eventually I want to be a farm owner selling my milk to Fonterra. I just really enjoy being outdoors. Being stuck in an office was not for me. Even if I’m drenched in rain, it just makes me very happy.”
Another student, Troy Lyness, 18, from Auckland, says the programme is helping him get a foot in the door of an industry he wants to build a career in.
Being stuck in an office was not for me. Even if I'm drenched in rain, it just makes me very happy.
“There’s lots of options, like going to university, but I’ve decided farming’s where I want to be,” he says. “Not coming from a farming background, the programme will really help with getting connections and opportunities to progress through the dairy industry and hopefully to ownership.”
The students have completed their orientation week, taking part in practical activities including a tanker demonstration, milk quality training, vehicle training including Quad Bikes (ATVs), side by sides and two wheelers and meeting the farmer trainers who will host and mentor them. They also visited a Farm Source store to collect essential gear ahead of starting on-farm.
Group Director of Farm Source Anne Douglas says the programme is about strengthening the future of the Co-operative and the wider dairy sector.
“These young people are about to embark on an amazing two-year programme to learn both the knowledge and practical skills to hopefully become the future of the dairy industry,” Ms Douglas says. “A huge thanks goes out to our farmer trainers and their families who are supporting these students.”
Chief Executive Officer of Growing Future Farmers Wendy Paul says the programme builds on the success Growing Future Farmers has already seen in the sheep, beef and deer sectors.
Together, we’re creating clear, supported pathways that help these young people see what’s possible in this industry and step confidently into it.
“Together, we’re creating clear, supported pathways that help these young people see what’s possible in this industry and step confidently into it. This partnership reflects a shared belief in the power of great training and mentorship, and we’re grateful to the students and farmer trainers who are leading the way by being the first to embrace this programme for the future of dairy.”
The pilot 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.