Living and working on a New Zealand dairy farm - Settlement Support

Your attitude is really important
Dairy farmers are looking for people who are keen to learn new things <strong>and</strong>
who have a ‘can-do’ attitude (willing to try new <strong>and</strong> different types of work).
On a small farm you will work alongside the farm owner, <strong>and</strong> on a bigger
farm you will work as part of a team.
At the start there will be someone to supervise you while you gain skills
<strong>and</strong> work experience. Once you have been on the farm for a while, you will
be expected to make work decisions yourself, <strong>and</strong> to be able to work on
your own without being told what to do.
Early morning starts
You will be getting out of bed very early in the morning, because farms
start milking by 5am. Most farms will also milk the cows in the afternoon
around 3pm.
During the busy times of the year, like calving, you will be <strong>working</strong> longer hours.
Your employment agreement should give you a good idea of the hours you
will work <strong>and</strong> the breaks you are legally entitled to.
4 | A guide for migrant dairy farm workers
Dairy farming can be
hard work <strong>and</strong> it’s not
for everyone.