fbpx
Print this page
Tuesday, 31 May 2022 15:55

From IT to cows

Written by  Staff Reporters
Jaspal Singh says the NZ dairy industry has lots to offer. Jaspal Singh says the NZ dairy industry has lots to offer.

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.

More like this

New chair for NZDIA

Manawatū farmer Raewyn Hills is the new chair of the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards national committee.

From computers to cows

Nine years ago, Jaspal Singh arrived from India to study IT. Today he's contract milking 740 cows in Culverden, North Canterbury.

Cut the excessive red tape!

Politicians at this year's New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards heard a clear message from organisers - do not bog the industry down in excessive red tape.

Featured

Sheep drench resistance costly

Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

National

Govt urged to reduce ETS units

The Climate Change Commission wants the new Government to reduce NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction volumes as son as…

Dairy sheep, goat woes mount

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand…

Machinery & Products

All-terrain fert spreading mode

Effluent specialists the Samson Group have developed a new double unloading system to help optimise uphill and downhill organic fertiliser…

Can-Am showcases range

Based on industry data collected by the Motor Industry Association, Can-Am is the number one side-by-side manufacturer in New Zealand.