Move is designed to free up capital for state-owned farmer and help with pathway to ownership for dairy teams.
Pāmu Farms is offering contracting opportunities on four of its dairy farms to those seeking a pathway to farm ownership.
There are a number of contracts available, including herd-owning share milking, variable order share milking, and contract milking.
Chief executive Mark Leslie said it is a way to develop talent for the benefit of New Zealand’s agricultural sector.
“This new contracting option for dairy teams is a great opportunity for those with ambition in our ranks or those already in the industry who are keen to build equity and progress in their careers.
“Investing in leadership and on-farm training has been underway at Pāmu for some years.
“This year we’ve launched the Pāmu Apprenticeship Scheme to encourage more young people into farming. The first cohort of nine apprentices begins in January 2025 and is based at Pāmu farm Aratiatia near Taupō.
“It’s exciting because it’s the first North Island scheme covering dairy, livestock and machinery. Pāmu also provides a range of scholarships including through the First Foundation and with Massey University we’ve recently established the Dr Warren Parker and Pāmu Agricultural Scholarship. The scholarship supports one third-year student for their final year of agricultural studies.”
Leslie said a pathway to ownership had been missing from the mix and this new scheme addresses that.
Chief operating officer Will Burrett said the business is delighted to bring two dairy properties located near Taupō, one in Canterbury and one on the South Island’s West Coast to the market for contract, lower order or herd-owning share milking. The farms range from 400 to 1000 cows.
“This opportunity is designed to enable the next generation of business owners and operators in the dairy sector and is timed with a refresh within the Pāmu operating environment that focuses on high-performing pastoral farming.”
The April 2024 Shareholding Minister’s Letter of Expectations emphasised the need for Pāmu to focus on its core business and lift improvement to deliver an appropriate level of commercial return.
The move is expected to free up capital for the state-owned enterprise that has been directed by government shareholders to put performance at the forefront of its decision-making.
“This hybrid model is one lever of opportunity to drive shareholder value,” Burrett said.
From October Pāmu is looking for high performers that understand pasture-based dairy farming at scale.
“For those who have an appetite for continuous improvement and align with our Pāmu values, this is an exciting opportunity to grow together within a common industry construct,” Burrett said.
Contracts commence from June 1, 2025 for the 2025/2026 season.
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