Zero to dairy farm ownership

The New Zealand Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme develops emerging agribusiness leaders to help shape the future of New Zealand agribusiness and rural affairs. Lincoln University has been involved with this leaders programme since 1979 when it was launched with a grant from the Kellogg Foundation, USA.The New Zealand Dairy Industry has been the envy of the world for decades for its ability to allow young people the opportunity to undertake a career path which progresses to farm ownership. So much so that it is almost a tradition that people move on to or have as their ultimate goal 'farm ownership'. This 'tradition' has meant that the industry has been innovative and vibrant keeping the average age of the New Zealand dairy farmer well below the rest of the world. Along with our low cost system it has been one of our competitive advantages as younger people are more prepared to take up new technology and take more risks in their investment decisions