The Farmers Fast Five: Where we ask a farmer five quick questions about farming, and what agriculture means to them. Today we talk to FMG 2024 Young Farmer of the Year George Dodson.

1. What did your journey into farming look like?

I grew up on a dairy farm in Southland, then we moved to Rolleston when I was 11 and the equity partnership my parents were in split up.

I became a city kid for a few years till I  got a job on a farm rolling paddocks at 16.

I progressed from there to milking etc then full time after finishing high school.

I fell in love with the industry and the pathways, and I’ve kept going up and up ever since.

My parents are my inspiration: Mum because she looks after our family and family is everything, and my Dad because his hard work inspired me and continues to inspire me every day.

2. Tell us a little bit about your farming operation.

I’m 2ic on a 435 cow, 113 ha dairy farm working for Andrew and Hayley Slater near Darfield.

3. What challenges have you faced in your farming business, and how have you tackled those challenges?

The biggest challenge is just progressing through the industry.

I took my first job in management at 20 and that was a very steep learning curve but taught me a lot. I always try to have a good support network.

Mentally  family and friends, partner etc are important.

Physically, sport is a huge one for me, getting off farm and blowing some steam and having fun.

Also professionally, Dad, and previous farm owners are there for when I need advice.

4. What has been a major highlight for you in your farming journey?

The biggest highlights were getting third place in the Canterbury North Otago New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards  for Dairy Trainee of the Year in 2022, and second place for Dairy Manager of the Year in the Southland Otago awards in 2023.

And then also getting second place in the 2024 Dairy industry Awards for Dairy Manager of the Year for Canterbury North Otago .

Obviously the biggest one and the one I am most proud of is the FMG Young Farmer of the Year 2024.

One highlight I’m hoping for in the future is to buy a farm with my parents and live the family farm dream .

5. What advice would you have for the next generation of farmers?

Always strive to learn and get better at everything you do.

You don’t have to go to university to be successful but always prioritize education and ensuring that you and your reputation is your biggest asset .