BJ Mckenzie has taken her future into her own hands and opened a new door in her dairying career.
A late starter to dairy farming, BJ has completed a Certificate IV in Agriculture, a Certificate III in Training and Assessment and Dairy Australia’s Manager/2IC Program, taking her into a role that she never thought she could achieve.
Twelve months ago, farm owners Mark and Tania Nevill offered BJ the manager/2IC role for their Mepunga East farm, taking charge of day-to-day operations, people management and planning.
This year the farm will get up to about 700 to 750 cows, mostly Holstein but with a few crossbreds and Jerseys.
It’s a big responsibility and BJ was initially unsure.
“When they offered it, I sort of freaked-out and didn’t think I could do it, but said I was happy to give it a try and see how we go,” she said.
“Being manager was never a thought when I started, but after 12 months, I feel I have really stepped into the role.
“I don’t always get it right and still consult very closely with Mark and Tania, but I’m feeling more confident.”
BJ has worked with the Nevill family for the past 11 years, starting as a basic farmhand who didn’t know much about dairy farming.
Her introduction to farming started at a young age.
She grew up on a sheep and beef farm in Macarthur, however the dairy passion comes from fond memories of helping her nan milk the cows in a little three double-up dairy in Curdievale, “although I think I was more of a hindrance than a help”.
While farming was a passion, her start to dairy farming came later in life after having her children and completing an apprenticeship as a baker at the Cobden bakery.
Even though she thoroughly enjoyed her baking career, it was time to get back on the land and “play with the cows” that she loves so much.
“A couple of friends were happy to help get me started and gave me some part-time relief milking so I could start to build up my knowledge.
“I don’t think I’d be where I am today without their help. When you work with great people, it makes it far easier to enjoy what you do.”
With that, her passion for dairy farming was rekindled.
Her first full-time dairy job was on a nearby farm, but when an opportunity came up with Mark and Tania, she was keen to make the jump.
“They knew how passionate I was and that I was keen to pursue training opportunities.
“When I started I had very little knowledge but I’ve learnt lots of things, and I’m still learning.”
BJ completed her Certificate IV in Agriculture shortly after commencing her job with the Nevills and has since completed the Certificate III in Training and Assessment and the Manager/2IC program, along with numerous short courses that have popped up along the way.
“I love the industry; this was a natural career progression allowing me to continue to grow and learn in an industry I’m passionate about.
“I can put the skills I learnt in the Cert III to good use in my current role training and developing new employees to reach their potential.
“The courses really helped me to understand that people learn and understand things differently. They opened my eyes to the fact that one size doesn’t fit all and you need to be able to adjust to each individual staff member.”
In her new role, BJ is responsible for planning the working day for staff and making sure all the daily tasks are done.
Mark and Tania plan to gradually step back, though they are always there to help, particularly through calving.
“I’m not in the dairy as much as I used to be due to my new responsibilities.
“Mark and Tania wanted me to move into the management role because they had faith that I could do this new role.”
BJ likes all aspects of the job, particularly the opportunity to work outdoors.
“I love the cows and calves, but I love driving tractors, going fencing, getting the cows in, doing pasture walks and making decisions about what’s going to happen with grass and rotations.”
Mark and Tania handle the business side of things.
“I talk with them about how we go about dealing with the conditions and then it’s about me making sure it’s getting done properly,” BJ said.
“This year has been tough. We had to buy-in feed like most people but we got through it.
“The home farm is about 60 per cent irrigated but it was still a push, so we had to supplement feed.
“Now we’re looking at all the grass and wondering how are we going to eat it all.
“We could be locking up paddocks and cutting in a couple of weeks but unfortunately, I can’t control the weather, just another aspect of farming that all farmers must contend with, but it’s far better to be looking at it than looking for it.”
While proud of her achievements, BJ is the first to admit “I still have lots to learn”.
“There are things that Mark just automatically does without thinking about it that I had to learn and I’m still learning.
“We enjoy bringing new people into the industry and seeing them prosper or being part of an existing team and watching them progress though their career.
“If anyone is thinking about stepping into dairying or progressing through, there is lots of great people in the industry who are happy to help.”