When he entered the industry, Hayden Goodall had no idea how complex dairy farming was. The young man, who left school with no qualifications and had been in a labouring job, was keen to learn. And in just three seasons, he’s won the Bay of Plenty Dairy Trainee of the Year award.

Hayden, who grew up in Tauranga, told those attending the regional field day that he knew nothing about feed wedges and pasture management and thought milking involved little more than putting on cups and washing down the yard.

Hayden was 21 when he decided, with the responsibilities of a fiancé and a daughter, it was time to pursue a career in farming or fishing. Farming won out partly, he says, because he enjoys riding motorbikes and the outdoors – and also because the lifestyle is better for raising a family.

Hayden Goodall is the 2017 Bay of Plenty Dairy Trainee of the Year.

The 24-year-old has been in the industry for three seasons and is currently herd manager for Matt Gow on his 750-cow property at Matata, working with Hayden and Linda McCartie, who won the 2017 Bay of Plenty Dairy Manager of the year award.

Rearing high quality young stock is a priority on the farm and pasture is a strong focus too with weekly farm walks to monitor growth rates, surplus and deficits. Supplements are used to fill in the gaps when needed.

Hayden’s aim is to progress to a management role next season and built up equity and savings during the next five years. He plans to purchase young stock to hopefully carry into a self-employment role contract milking or lower order sharemilking.

Hayden has already passed the Primary ITO Level 4 Dairy Farming qualifications and wants to complete a diploma in agribusiness.

Entering the awards has given Hayden the opportunity to network with other entrants, farm owners, sponsors and their representatives.

Keeping a good work-life balance is important to Hayden, enabling him to spend quality time with his wife and two young daughters, aged five and one.

“I thrive off achievement and I love to be challenged. I have a passion for this industry and would like to do my part, along with my wife, to help make it a sustainable, profitable and environmentally-friendly career,” says Hayden. “As future employers, we want to reflect these principles while providing a fun, family-friendly work environment.”