Live the dream, learn from Ireland's best dairy farmers, earn while you learn, and set your career on the path to farm management.

In partnership with Farm Relief Services (FRS), New Zealand Dairy Careers (NZDC) offer hosted packages for you to go to Ireland for 6 - 12 months - job, industry training, and accommodation included!

Work placements will generally run from January - June which is Ireland’s peak season and coincides with New Zealand’s off-season. This leaves you plenty of downtime to travel and explore across Ireland, the UK, and Europe!

About the Programme

You will gain experience working on an Irish dairy farm (average herd size of 103 cows) and learn how to manage day-to-day operations using the latest technology and methods.

The potential topics you’ll learn, and duties you’ll perform may include:

• Health and Safety
• Milk Quality, Plant and Techniques
• Calf Rearing and Calf Housing
• Animal Welfare and Health
• Farm Chemicals
• Soil and Environmental Science
• Irrigation Systems and Effluent systems
• Pasture Management and Feed Budgets
• Winter and Summer Crops
• General Farm Maintenance
• Tractor and Motorbike Skills

What’s Included in this Programme

• A paying job on an Irish dairy farm; average wage range of €12.10 – €13.00 per hour (approx. NZD22.25 - 23.90)
• Jobs with higher responsibilities may earn €14.00+ per hour
• Typical work week of 40 hours
• Accommodation options
• Insurance assistance to cover loss of earnings arising from work-related accidents or sickness
• Discussion group meetings, college trips and open days.
• Working Holiday Authorisation application and Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) Registration Card help
• Assistance setting up banking and tax registration
• Airport Pickup
• Orientation programme and ongoing pastoral support

About New Zealand Dairy Careers

NZDC is dedicated to dairy farming and we love being part of an industry that is renowned globally. We’re passionate about our people and we know that you are the future of dairying which is why we do everything we can to help you to develop both personally and professionally throughout your time with us.

About Farm Relief Services

FRS (Farm Relief Services) is a farmer-owned co-operative organisation established in 1980 to help provide skilled workers to farmers across Ireland.

About You

Ideally, you have at least 12 months of practical farming experience in aspects such as calving, calf rearing, lambing, rearing sheep, and animal husbandry.

You want practical training and a farm worker job to earn while you learn. Ideally, you have an Agricultural Qualification or are pursuing a course in Agriculture.

The ability to drive a car and having a full license is an advantage, but as long as you can operate a tractor and an ATV, you’ll do fine.

You are confident to travel solo, live alone if required, and are prepared to work up to an average of 40 hours per week.

• Ability to work with confidence in the milking operations area is essential
• No previous criminal convictions
• Able to pass a drug test
• Able to operate a tractor and ATV
• 12+ months of experience on a dairy farm

How to Apply

PLEASE NOTE: This is an opportunity for New Zealand Citizens.

Applications will only be accepted if you meet Ireland’s requirements for a Working Holiday Authorisation. Please visit https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/new-zealand/our-services/visas/working-holiday-authorisation/ to check your eligibility.

To apply for this opportunity, please send us your CV/resume and a cover letter telling us why you’re interested.