Fonterra teams up with Growing Future Farmers to boost dairy careers

Fonterra and Growing Future Farmers are working together to help the next generation of dairy farmers. Photo / 123rf

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Fonterra has announced a new partnership aimed at helping more young people enter the dairy industry.

Group Director of Farm Source Anne Douglas said the co-operative was teaming up with Growing Future Farmers to launch a pilot programme in 2026.

“We are so delighted with this,” she told The Country Sport Breakfast’s Brian Kelly.

“[We’re] kicking off a new programme that is all about supporting the next generation - these are our young and early career farmers - to get into dairy.”

Growing Future Farmers is a national charitable trust that has already seen success in the sheep and beef sector.

Douglas said Fonterra has co-designed a dairy version of the programme, which will start in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty with around 10 Fonterra farmer trainees.

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“The programme runs for two years, and it combines both hands-on farm experience with NZQA qualifications, and then we wrap some really great mentorship from our Fonterra farmers around the programme as well,” she explained.

Douglas said the combination meant that, while young students learned key skills, they could also build their confidence.

“[Students] build a genuine connection and understanding of farming life, and can really gain a strong support network as well.”

Douglas said the initiative could help with succession planning, an issue that was top of mind for many farmers.

“Supporting young people into the industry is critical to help solve this challenge,” she said.

The programme aims to create pathways into farm management, sharemilking, contract milking, farm ownership and even industry leadership.

“This will help keep our rural communities really strong, keep our industry humming, and of course, strengthen the long-term sustainability of our co-op for generations,” Douglas said.

“We’re really excited about the partnership and what it means for that next generation coming into the industry.”

Farmers and students in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty who want more information can visit Growing Future Farmers to apply.