6 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Bajwa Farmers Ltd Embraced all the industry has offered him Alexia Anderson From hand milking about 10 cows in India to contract milking two farms and supervising another five in New Zealand, Vick Singh has embraced everything the industry has offered him. His determination to make the most of opportunities in New Zealand’s dairy industry has now earned him recognition after being named Share Farmer of the Year Runner-up for the Central Plateau. He was presented with the accolade at the 2026 NZ Dairy Industry Awards, held earlier this year. Vick currently contract milks on two farms and supervises another five under Bajwa Farmers Ltd, with the two contract-milking properties each milking 1200 cows for Armer Group. The neighbouring Otake Dairies and Marotiri Dairies properties are based on Waihora Rd, Mangakino, and together represent a significant commitment. “That takes pretty much all of my time,” he says. Otake Dairies covers 406 hectares, while Marotiri Dairies is slightly smaller at 385ha. Alongside the two contracts, Vick and his wife, Kuljeet, are rearing calves, with 84 in their herd last season and 120 this season, with the intention of gradually building on their numbers each year. Vick says Armer Group has allowed them the opportunity, which was something he did not take for granted. Ultimately, calf rearing will help him build enough equity for farm ownership in the future. His move from India to New Zealand came in 2013, arriving as a farming student, having researched the country as a place to further develop his passion for dairy farming. After completing a Level 5 Diploma in Applied Technology in Agriculture, he started as a trainee on a System 5 farm near Taupo, where he progressed through farm assistant, herd manager, assistant manager and manager roles. He spent five years managing the farm before joining Armer Group, also as a farm manager and later taking on his current contract-milking opportunities. Vick says while embracing a second contract was daunting, he pushed himself past his comfort zone to achieve his goals and make new ones. “At the start, when two farms came on, I was pretty doubtful (that it would work).” However, perseverance paid off. Vick says while embracing a second contract was daunting, he pushed himself past his comfort zone to achieve his goals. “I pushed myself to the limit. I took the opportunity and tried my best. The first year was a bit tough but . . . after that the confidence just built up and up.” The Share Farmer of the Year Runner-up accolade was an “amazing” achievement for Vick, who also valued the opportunity to meet other farmers and build connections at the awards. “It was a great experience,” he says. “It was amazing to even go there.” Looking ahead, Vick has his sights set on progressing to 50/50 sharemilking alongside his young family, including seven-year-old son Akaal and eight-month-old daughter Taqdeer. “That’s the future goal and we are already in talks so hopefully things will happen.” Mainland Engineering proudly supports Bajwa Farmers Ltd 07 378 2453 | parts@promoto.co.nz 41 Nukuhau Street, Taupo His advice to others considering a career in dairy farming is simple - give it a go and embrace the opportunities the industry offers, including building knowledge, connections and a bright future. “The dairy industry gives me a fabulous life. I want to keep achieving my goals and pass the skills onto the next generation.”
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