Woman’s excitement for career in farming

“It was always about farming,” says Jasmine Hall.

e NZDIA 2023 Central Plateau Dairy Trainee of the Year and winner of two merit awards was raised on a bull and beef farm in Waiotapu.

She was taught to milk by a neighbour and reliefmilked for them from the age of 15.

After leaving school she took some calf rearing and xed term farm assistant positions waiting for things to open up after Covid-19 disrupted her OE plans.

When things didn’t look like they were opening up, she took a farm assistant role at Stu and Anne Koopal’s 204-hectare Rerewhakaaitu property in June 2022.

“Working with people who have similar values to mine means I can push myself to take opportunities and progress, while still having exibility and balance in my job,” says the 20-year-old.

She was inspired to enter the Dairy Industry Awards by previous title winner Tayla Flight from Reporoa.

“Seeing her video resonated with me and has shaped my progress in the industry. I aspire to work with progressive and passionate farmers and continuing to upskill myself.” In her current role, Jasmine has been learning about all aspects of stock management, especially pasture management and feed allocation. She is proud to have been given responsibility for managing all of the calves on the farm this season, seeing raising good calves as the best start to growing quality heifers.

Jasmine won the DairyNZ Skills merit award and enjoyed the practical skills day where fencing, tool identi cation, bike safety, FEPs, feed knowledge and general knowledge are some of the subjects covered.

“ e winner of the merit award got the highest points on skills day, but you’re only told if you are in the nal six, so awards night was a nice surprise.” in

She also took home the Blackman Spargo Rural Law Ltd Knowledge merit award. e judges said: “your general farming knowledge was excellent, you showed us you have a comprehensive understanding of dairy farming especially animal health, dairy plant hygiene, calving and mating management”.

While technology,

In June, Jasmine will head to Australia to work on a dairy farm or sheep station for six months. Her goal is to return in 2024 and start a Bachelor of Ag. Com at Lincoln University. While technology, environmental and animal health improvements, and the New Zealand grass-based dairy system inspire her, what gets Jasmine out of bed on cold and rainy mornings, is her genuine love for cows.