I thought we might have a look at perhaps the most important aspect of being a relief milker, namely the financial aspect. Deciding upon your rates is going to be a crucial aspect of your trade. The financial compensation you receive should not only reflect your experience, role, skills, and workload, but it will also…
Why I Prefer Sole Charge
One question I get asked a lot, is why I prefer sole charge relief jobs as opposed to taking on jobs as assistant. There are several reasons, which I’ll try to explain in the following post. I’ve been relief milking full-time since 2014, for the majority of that time in sole charge. Prior to that…
Taking The Initiative
As admin of a handful of relief milking groups on Facebook I’ve gained some insights into how farmers and job seekers interact with one another online. One recurring pattern I’ve noticed is this: a farmer posts an advertisement looking for a relief milker, but instead of private messaging or phoning the farmer to express interest,…
The Benefits Of Business Cards
Playing a key role in New Zealand’s economy, relief milkers are essential in ensuring the smooth running of the nation’s dairy sector. These individuals step in during peak times, emergencies, or when farmers and their regular staff are unavailable due to sickness, injury, vacation, or family commitments. However, in a competitive field where personal connections…
How Secure Is Your Farm Technology?
The increasing reliance on technology in agriculture has exposed the industry to a growing threat of cyber attacks, warns cybersecurity expert Alastair Miller. Government statistics from the Computer Emergency Response Team reveal a significant rise in direct financial losses from cybercrime in the first quarter of this year, reaching $5.8 million, marking a 66% increase…
Ron Sharp & The Herringbone
In 1952, Ronald Sharp, a visionary dairy farmer from Gordonton near Hamilton, New Zealand, forever changed the landscape of milking sheds with his revolutionary design known as the herringbone cowshed. This innovative creation not only alleviated the physical strain on dairy farmers but also significantly enhanced the efficiency of milking cows, setting a new standard…