50 | nzdairy New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards » Taylor Alty Taylor has been in the role for seven months, following three years studying a Bachelor of Commerce in Agriculture at Lincoln University and a short stint working on a dairy farm in Wales. Russell Fredric A Southland dairy farm setting and a hands-on role are shaping the early career of 22-yearold Taylor Alty, the 2026 Southland Dairy Farm Trainee of the Year. Working on a 165-hectare effective farm at South Hillend, near Winton, Taylor is part of a small team peak milking around 460 cows through a 50-bail rotary shed, with production tracking at about 260,000kg of milk solids this season. Taylor has been in the role for seven months, following three years studying a Bachelor of Commerce in Agriculture at Lincoln University and a short stint working on a dairy farm in Wales. That mix of study and practical experience has helped build a strong foundation, particularly in understanding the ‘why’ behind farm systems. The decision to enter the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards was about testing that foundation, Taylor says. “It was just something to challenge myself and see where my points of growth were, what I needed to learn, and where I was already doing well.” The awards process itself proved both practical and demanding. It began with a field day featuring a series of stations, including tasks such as tyre changing, reading animal data through MINDA software, interpreting animal health information and general knowledge. From there, finalists progressed to an interview stage, presenting their CV and career planning before answering questions from judges. The practical component felt familiar, but the interview pushed things further. “You had to think on the spot. If you didn’t know something, you had to be upfront about it but still show how you’d approach it.” That challenge was part of what made the eventual result meaningful. “It was pretty special. It shows that all the hard work you’ve put in actually pays off.” While the title brings recognition, day-to-day life on farm has remained grounded. Milking, setting up paddocks, spraying, and seasonal jobs like calf rearing continue to make up the bulk of Taylor’s work. Taylor says animal health is a particular strength, with a focus on attention to detail across the herd. “It’s about looking at everything — how cows are walking, their udders, picking up issues early and getting them back to 100%.” Support from the wider team has also been key. Taylor is quick to acknowledge the role of the farm owners Caleb Hamill and 2IC Nate Wiremu Maere in creating an environment where learning and progression are possible. “I can’t do my job alone. The people around me make a big difference day-to-day.” The award has already opened doors, including public speaking opportunities and wider industry connections. It has also raised Taylor’s profile. Good mix of study and practical experience “Your name’s out there now. People know who you are, and that definitely helps.” Looking ahead, Taylor’s goals are clear. Within two years, she is aiming to step into a farm manager role and purchase her first residential rental property, with longer-term plans focused on contract milking and eventually farm ownership. Her pathway reflects a common progression in the New Zealand dairy industry, backed by a passion for what she does, along with being grounded in the day-to-day work and the results that come from it. “It’s just something I’ve always grown up with. I enjoy working with animals, being outdoors, and seeing the results from the effort you put in.” Master Builders R e g i s t e r e d FIND US ON FACEBOOK Blake Fairbairn Proud to support Taylor Alty 027 278 3338 blakefairbairn@hotmail.co.nz 48G Egerton Road R.D.1 Winton 9782 • Tractor and Truck Spray Units • Low Drift Air Induction • GPS Guidance • 500L Gun Spray Unit • Tracmap Proof of Placement • Pasture, Cereal, Wintercrop and Gun Spraying CONTACT US TO DISCUSS YOUR SPRAYING REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS SEASON. Hamish 027 944 5179 • plunkettagrispraying@gmail.com
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