Is the dairy farm training working?

Edward Von Randow

Executive Summary

Is there an issue with how dairy farm staff are being trained off farm and is this giving the results the farmers need. For the diary sector to continue to farm in New Zealand we need to make sure that our staff are well trained in all aspects of farming not just the day to day work but also financial skills and we now also need to train the soft skills of management as well as the importance of how we are perceived by the Urban sector.

Is it important to have clear roles in a business and why is this and what are the outcomes if we get this right or wrong.

In The Inescapable Laws of Organizational Structure;

  1. Fritz also argues that organizations are structured either to advance or to oscillate . Advancement is a positive move from on state to another that acts as a foundation for further advances. Fundamental to structural advancement is the concept of resolution when an outcome is achieved and a particular problem is resolved. According to Fritz (1996:6), management in an organization that is structured to advance coordinate ‘individual acts into an organizational tapestry of effective strategy.’ When all the individuals in this utopian organization are acting together, the result is synergy, allowing the achievement of ‘enormous feats.’
  2. The alternative is structural oscillation. Fritz (1996:6) explains this: ‘Oscillating behaviour is that which moves from one place to another, but then moves back towards its original position.’ So many organizations set out on some change program, full of enthusiasm and energy. But, six months later, the enthusiasm has evaporated and the program peters out leaving very little changed.

Edward Von Randow

Download and read the full report here:

Grow. Advance. Lead.

Do the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme.

More Kellogg reports:

2025

Navigating Sheep and Beef Manager Retention

This report by Richard Cameron identifies key challenges in attracting and retaining skilled farm managers, including low wages, poor work-life balance, and limited ownership pathways. ...
Read More →
Iain Inglis report 2024

Better cattle handling: For people, product and perception

Exploring, educating, and applying low-stress livestock handling to benefit the people, product and perception of New Zealand’s beef industry.
Read More →
2025

Overcoming Barriers to Data Interoperability Within New Zealand’s Wine Industry

NZ wine confronts rising costs and unpredictable markets. This report by Zac Howell reveals how smarter data use, strong governance, and industry trust can unlock ...
Read More →