| 11 nzdairy DAIRY INDUSTRY AWARDS » Eva Wooller - Longburn A career-defining moment for Eva Wooller Karen Phelps The 2025 Manawatu Dairy Trainee of the Year award has proved a career-defining moment for Eva Wooller that led indirectly to her recent promotion to herd manager on the same Fonterra Longburn farm where she began her dairy career. “Winning the award was the catalyst that gave me the confidence to apply for and secure the herd manager position,” says Eva. “It was one of my short-term goals but it’s come faster than expected. It was about timing but winning the award definitely helped.” Eva has made significant progress in her career in just two years for someone who didn’t grow up on a farm. She began her dairy career as a farm assistant after completing her Bachelor of Animal Science degree majoring in Animal Welfare from Massey University, making this her third season in the industry. “I was really fresh into the industry when I started on this farm,” explains Eva. “So winning makes me realise how far I’ve come and that I know what I’m doing. It was a good bench marker and proof of my hard work.” Her passion for the role became evident early, particularly in calf rearing which she took on responsibility for shortly after starting. “I love it, it’s one of my favourite things about working here,” says Eva. “We send them off for grazing so it’s a timely situation as I want them to meet certain targets to get them off to grazing quickly. We do fortnightly weigh-ins to make sure they are progressing well and meeting targets.” The nurturing aspect of dairy farming particularly appeals to Eva, who finds deep satisfaction in animal health work and treatment. “I really enjoy getting to treat cows and make them better,” explains Eva. “For me it’s all about getting to work with the animals that I love. It makes me feel like I’m giving back to them when I make them better.” Her attachment to individual animals is evident in her relationship with a favourite cow named Tufts. “When she came back as an R2 heifer she had a big tuft on her head that stuck out like a sore thumb,” says Eva. “She knows when I’m milking as she will hang for a scratch before she comes in the yard.” The awards programme participation came through encouragement from her boss Jake Ferreira, who recognised the development opportunities it provided. “Jake thinks it’s a really cool thing to get involved with,” explains Eva. “The second time it was about beating what I did last time. I find it so much fun and I meet really cool people.” She thinks her success at the competition partly stemmed from her assurance with the practical tasks during judging and her growing confidence in the role. “I also got quite lucky on the day as all the stations as part of the judging were all things I was quite comfortable with.” Auckland/Hauraki Dairy Trainee of the Year Caitlin Snodgrass with Manawatu Dairy Trainee of the Year Eva Wooller. “For me it’s all about getting to work with the animals that I love. It makes me feel like I’m giving back to them when I make them better.” For all your dairy livestock requirements contact Brownie: Phone: 027 271 4722 Email: sandfly1@xtra.co.nz Proud to support EvaWooller - Longburn Proudly supporting Eva Wooller Currently completing an ITO qualification, Eva has clear long-term aspirations within the dairy sector around animal welfare. “I see myself fitting in where changes are or need to be happening,” says Eva, referring to ongoing developments in cow welfare optimisation. “I want to be part of those conversations.”
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