Preparing Dairy Farmers for Contract Milking Opportunities (Micro-credential)

1. Be 18 years of age or older
2. Have proficiency in English and Mathematics that will enable likely successful completion of this course (for example, a minimum of NCEA English and Maths level 1, or equivalent)
3. Have evidence of appropriate language competency if English is not the applicant's first language, such as IELTS score of 5.5 with no band under 5.0
4. Have completed at least two years agriculture workplace experience within the last five years
5. Have access to relevant farm records and information
6. Have their application reviewed by staff with relevant experience and knowledge of the requirements of the programme.

What can I expect out of this qualification?

This programme aims to meet the dairy industry need for a short, targeted, and focussed course that builds contract and financial literacy for both current and prospective contract milkers to give them the skills to have a greater chance of business and personal success as contract milkers in the NZ Dairy Industry.

Contract milking is part of a well-defined career progression as it is can be the first step into self-employment, and it is imperative that those considering this career step have the skills and knowledge needed to give them the greatest chance of success. Currently approximately 30% of contract milkers leave the Dairy Industry with 2 years and often with a substantial financial loss.

This programme will assist people to build an understanding of the process when considering a contract milking position, what information should be collected, compliance obligations, and understanding the value of independent advice and use of professionals at all stages of negotiation. It will also give people the skills to assess the financial viability of a contract milking position including producing an annual forecast budget for a specific position. It has been developed in response to the Dairy Industry identifying the value and need for current and prospective contract milkers to gain these skills early, to avoid financial and contractual issues.

Main Campus Office

Phone: (07) 858 2764
Fax: (07) 858 3766
Email: admin@dairytraining.co.nz
Web: http://www.dairytraining.co.nz