The love I have for animals is beyond words. I've always dreamed of working with them as a career. At the end of July this year, I had the incredible opportunity to join the Future Farmers programme and was quickly placed at Fifehead Dairy, located in Lidgetton, Howick. I began working there on the 3rd of August 2024.

When I started, I had no practical experience with milk production or dairy work. It was my first time seeing a milking parlour in person, and it was an amazing feeling after only having seen them in pictures and videos. I am incredibly grateful to be under the guidance of a great manager, Mr. Simon Williams, who welcomed me into his team. He took the time to help me adjust to the environment and taught me all about dairy work in detail. The staff here are patient and humble, and they’ve made me feel at home as they teach me the ropes.

In my first two months, I worked as a stockman and in the animal health department, where I learned how to manage the herd and the importance of maintaining the health of the cows. Later, I got the chance to work inside the dairy. I remember my first day milking cows—I had difficulty locating the teats with the milking machine, as I’m quite tall. I had to bend a bit to see where they were. Over time, I learned how to find them by feeling with my hands, which was a great breakthrough for me. Now, with good knowledge of both the indoor and outdoor work of the dairy, I’m more passionate than ever about working in this field. I can see that with dedication and hard work, I can go far. The working environment is so positive that I always look forward to work every morning.

One of the most memorable moments for me was during the first weeks of the breeding season. I noticed a cow that hadn’t been triggered by the heat detectors, but I suspected she was in heat. The cow was already heading back to the pasture, but I asked the manager to check her for bullstring. It was a bit of a gamble, but sure enough, the bullstring appeared, confirming that she was in heat. The manager was amazed and asked me how I knew. I explained that I had observed the cow rubbing herself on other cows and hesitating to leave the kraal. I also thought she had not been triggered because she was too tall for the other cows to trigger the bulling beacon (she was a Holstein). He applauded my observation and reminded me how crucial diligence is during the breeding season.

During my time here, I have developed a variety of skills, such as preparing and inserting CIDRs (intravaginal devices for controlled breeding), preparing semen for artificial insemination, treating endometritis, and managing pastures for grazing. I’ve also gained responsibility and learned how to carry myself through the Future Ready Programme, which has helped shape both my professional and personal life.

Being part of the Future Farmers Programme has been life-changing in many ways —educationally, financially, and emotionally. I am learning to apply the knowledge I gained in tertiary education while earning money to support myself.

Now that the year is ending and holiday fever is in the air, I want to remind everyone that for us farmers, the work never stops. While we do get some rest, our calling requires most of our time to ensure that people can enjoy their holidays with a full stomach. I would like to wish all the Future Farmers, and everyone involved in the Future Farmers initiative a happy and prosperous holiday. May God be with my family, as I carry them in my heart during this season.