44 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Rakaia Island Much more tech, automation and variety involved Kim Bowden Attracting and retaining good people remains one of the dairy sector’s biggest hurdles, with what Rakaia Island business manager Annabel Smith describes as a lingering image problem. “One of the biggest challenges is the perception that dairy farming is just early starts, long hours and hard physical work,” she says. “Some of that is part of farming, but the industry has changed enormously. I think we need to do a much better job of showing people what working on a modern dairy farm actually looks like. There’s much more technology, automation and variety involved than many people realise.” Overcoming that perception starts with giving young people a better understanding of the industry before they choose a career path. “We often assume that young people know more about dairy farming than they actually do,” Annabel says. “We need to make dairy farming less of an unknown. Tell them that they don’t need to come from a farming family or know how to milk a cow or drive a tractor – these things can all be taught. If they’re willing to learn and be part of a team, we can show them what the job really looks like.” Rakaia Island sits between the north and south branches of the braided Rakaia River, comprising four dairy units and a support farm across nearly 1,800 effective hectares and milking close to 4,800 cows. The family-owned operation employs around 35 people - swelling by another 13 during peak calving - and Annabel says its scale allows staff to build careers without leaving. “Someone can join us in an entry-level role and build a career here, building their skills, taking on more responsibility and progressing through the business without having to go elsewhere for their next step,” she says. Rakaia Island sits between the north and south branches of the braided Rakaia River. Molloy Agriculture is proud to support Rakaia Island 402 METHVEN CHERTSEY ROAD, METHVEN | 03 302 8098 | WWW.MOLLOYAG.CO.NZ PERMBRAND.CO.NZ permbrand Contact PHILL SHAW 027 570 2772 Email: phill@permbrand.co.nz • Rotary, Herringbone & Robotic Sheds • Molasses’ Systems • PKE & Pellet Systems • Silos • Augers • Mills - New Generation - Skiold DISC MILLS • Mineral Dispenser’s • Dust Kits • Air Fluidizer Kits AND MUCH MORE FROM THE COMPANY THAT UNDERSTANDS MEAL FEEDING Call Now 027 452 6657 www.barnhillengineering.co.nz Engineering Services Farm Implement Repairs | On-site Repairs & Maintenance On-call Emergency Breakdown Servicing | Dairy Shed Platform Maintenance New Dairy Shed Yards & Alterations Dairy Platform DriveWheel Re- Rubbering
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=