Maruia dairy farmer Mark Ready says he was “very excited and a little shocked” when he was announced as the Top of the South Dairy Trainee winner at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards in Murchison last month.
The evening brought together farmers from across the region to celebrate excellence in the dairy sector.
While Mark entered the Dairy Trainee category, those who know him say he is already a skilled and dedicated farmer with genuine care for his animals.
Mark grew up on the West Coast in the Gloriavale Christian Community near Haupiri. His neighbours at the time were dairy farmers Michelle and Willie Coates. Their support was invaluable when he made the decision to leave Gloriavale.
“Within two weeks of leaving I had a house and a job on their dairy farm, it was pretty cool,” Mark says.
While at Gloriavale, Mark’s main role was in deer farming. However, he had early exposure to dairy through his father, who worked on the community’s dairy farm. Mark often helped milk a herd of about 500 cows.
It was also through Michelle and Willie that Mark was first introduced to the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards, a programme that recognises the country’s top farmers and emerging talent through written entries, on‑farm judging, interviews and practical assessments.
“Back in 2024 they encouraged me to enter,” Mark says. “I did, and that first time was quite a learning curve. Seeing all the things I needed to know really helped me progress.”
Since then Mark has completed his ITO Level 3 qualification, building a strong foundation of practical dairy farming skills. An ITO Level 3 in dairy farming is an entry‑level, work‑based qualification that teaches the core practical skills needed to work as a farm assistant.
‘Quite a chain of events came from entering the awards,’ he says. It was through this pathway that Mark met his current employer, Michael Shearer.
“He has been my mentor and helped us realise our goal of farm ownership is very achievable. It’s very comforting having someone who has done it themselves to support and back us.”
By ‘us’, Mark is referring to his wife Lily and their daughter.
“I love it here, it is a really cool spot,” he says, referring to the dairy farm they are on in Maruia, about an hour south of Murchison.
“It was a big change for us leaving Gloriavale.
“Where we grew up was very isolated. Here, being on the state highway, we get a few more visitors on farm.”
The family has embraced the local community.
“We have made some great friends here and really enjoy being part of the community.”
For Mark, one of the biggest draws of dairy farming is the variety.
“There are so many different tasks and skills, tractor driving, looking after the milking plant, maintenance, caring for the cows. It is never boring. I really love working outside in the fresh air and working with animals.”
Of course, the job comes with its challenges, including early starts.
“Some mornings getting up at 5am can be a bit hard,” he says. “But once you’re up, the cows are milked, and you come in for breakfast knowing there’s milk in the vat, you realise you’re onto a good thing.”
When asked about the more difficult aspects of the job, Mark laughs.
“I guess by the third round of cleaning weeds you start realising some are pretty stubborn thistles and ragwort. I keep imagining clean pasture with no weeds.”
Now representing the Top of the South as Dairy Trainee winner, Mark is preparing to travel to Rotorua on Friday, 9 May, to compete against other regional winners.
“I have been making up quizzes for myself to prepare and using the Daisy quiz on the DairyNZ website. I am also reviewing everything I learnt during my ITO Level 3.”
Having never been to the North Island before, Mark says he and Lilly are both looking forward to the experience.
Regardless of the national result, Mark says being part of the awards has already been hugely valuable.
“It has helped me meet others in the industry, build my skills and knowledge, and identify goals I want to work towards.”
Best wishes to Mark as he represents the Top of the South at the national finals on 9 May.
