Play by the rules
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says the Government is always working to ensure that our food exporters are treated fairly under trade agreements signed with other countries.
Jaspal Singh came to New Zealand from India in 2014 to study information technology (IT).
Two years later, upon completion of his degree, he started working as a farm assistant in Mossburn and is now farm manager on Mark and Carmen Hurst's 220ha, 800-cow property at Waimate.
His dedication to learn and grow as a dairy farmer is paying off. This month he was crowned the 2022 Dairy Manager of the Year.
Singh says he feels proud of his achievement.
"It is quite joyful and a mix of emotions," he told Dairy News.
Singh says he entered the NZ dairy industry because of career opportunities.
"The NZ dairy industry is different from my country's industry. Here the dairy industry provides a lot of career opportunities step-by-step and personal growth of knowledge and responsibilities.
"It provides a standard accommodation, healthy lifestyle and the freedom of working outside in an open environment with cows."
There were challenges, including overcoming the language barrier when Singh arrived from India.
"The biggest challenge was English language when I got here and then from moving from IT student to dairy farmer.
"I faced those challenges and found my way out."
Singh puts his success down to a great team, including his wife Ruby, supportive employers and his keen and positive attitude.
He says his employers have given him opportunities to run the farm.
"I treat the farm as it's my own, which helps me drive the farm in an efficient way and it helped me to be successful in the industry."
His future plans include becoming a sharemilker and then eventually owning his own farm.
Singh believes he has good advice for immigrants eyeing a future in NZ dairying.
“The industry provides a lot to learn, to do, great career opportunities, healthy lifestyle, work life balance and freedom to work and be successful,” he adds.
Federated Farmers want to see the return of cattle exports but insists that animal welfare and New Zealand’s international reputation must be protected first.
Farmers are claiming a victory in their fight against new Accredited Employment Work Visa (AEWV) changes announced by the Government last month.
The 2024 FMG Young Farmer of the Year Region-off is underway.
Voting is underway for Farmlands director elections with six candidates vying for two vacant positions.
Farmers and politicians will battle it out at Gisborne this Saturday – on a sports field and all in the name of charity.
Kiwifruit growers can breathe a sigh of relief.
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