Jeff White had no idea that when he contracted to help build a feed pad on a Te Puke dairy farm, it would lead to a completely new career.

“When I had nearly finished the contract, I was offered a job on the dairy farm,” says Jeff, who at the time had his own landscaping business.

Jeff White, the 2015 Bay of Plenty Dairy Trainee of the Year.

New dimension
Working with animals is a new dimension which Jeff is thoroughly enjoying and he’s finding the skills and knowledge gained through landscaping are applicable to farming.

“I certainly have an understanding of how plants grow so that helps with pasture management and many of the practical skills like fencing and operating machinery are also relevant.

“One of the strengths at the farm I work on is innovation and I am always looking to use the newest and best technologies available.”

Jeff, who is taking courses through Primary ITO and plans to complete Level 5 this year, also won the Assmuss Brooking Leadership Award in the dairy awards, which he says are a great way to not only benchmark his own performance, but also meet others
in the industry.

Working with animals is a new dimension for Jeff White, who is 2015’s Bay of Plenty Dairy Trainee of the Year.