Top Farmer Training moves into Dairy

Growing Future Farmers has partnered with Fonterra to launch
programme to support sector entrants.

Fonterra and Growing Future Farmers have partnered up to
develop a two-year programme designed to support young people entering the
dairy industry.

The programme follows a farmer-led vocational training model
and will begin with a pilot in Waikato and Bay of Plenty in early 2026.

Students will gain practical on-farm experience provided by
Fonterra farmer trainers, and achieve an NZQA qualification.

Fonterra group director of farm source Anne Douglas said it
is building on a sector-wide effort to support young people entering the dairy
industry.

“We’re excited to partner with Growing Future Farmers to
introduce a new generation to the diverse opportunities that exist within the
co-op and dairy industry.”

The programme is designed to evolve over time to ensure it
continues to set up students, the co-op and the industry for long-term success.

“The mentorship provided by Fonterra farmers will be hugely
valuable in helping students build confidence, skills and a strong support
network. This wraparound support for young people entering the industry is
central to creating a strong and sustainable co-operative for future
generations.”

The pilot programme will reflect what has been learned
through Growing Future Farmer’s existing programme aimed at getting young
people into the sheep and beef sector.

Growing Future Farmers CEO Wendy Paul said the Growing
Future Farmers model combines practical experience with academic learning and
strong pastoral support to set young people up for success in the primary
sector.

“One of my goals in moving from Fonterra to Growing Future
Farmers was to see this model extended into dairy, because there’s a clear
need. Succession planning and how we resource both intergenerational and
corporate farms in the future is top of mind for many.

“We’re truly excited and grateful for this partnership and
what it means for the next generation coming into the industry.”

Fonterra farmer and Growing Future Farmers trustee Jo
Johnstone said her experience as a farmer trainer in the sheep and beef
programme has been incredibly rewarding.

“By investing in the next generation, we’re growing
resilient, community-minded, environmentally aware young people who will keep
our rural communities thriving and our primary sector strong. 

“Graduates will not only be productive employees but the
future farm owners, managers, sharemilkers, contract milkers and industry
leaders who will strengthen the long-term sustainability of the co-op.”

Fonterra farmers in Waikato or Bay of Plenty and young
people aged 16-20 can express their interest in joining the programme through
the Growing Future Farmers website.