Passion for supporting Kiwi dairy farmers

It was love that first led DairyNZ senior area manager Leah Prankerd to dairying - but decades later, it’s her passion for the industry that keeps her there, supporting, and inspiring farmers across the region.

Prankerd and her husband have been sharemilkers for more than 13 years and currently have a 700-cow herd.

Alongside their dairy operation, they also run beef stock and graze heifers for other local farmers.

“I would never have thought growing up I would end up dairy farming but there is no better feeling than seeing cows graze a fresh paddock or watching the steam come off their back while they stand in the yard and the sun is rising in the background,” she says.

As a senior area manager, she works directly with farmers listening to their concerns and making sure they are supported with the right tools and resources for their farm.

“I love hearing from farmers about their operation and the journey they have been on – no two farms are the same,” she says.

“The key to helping is not to tell farmers what to do because they’re already great at what they do. It’s around providing tools, research, and sharing an anecdote or two to help them make sound decisions within their business.”

Over the past 14 years she has seen attitudes change and women given more opportunities.

“Being in the sector has been a great experience, though not without challenges," she says.

“The key to success is being able to push and back yourself, know your worth, and give things a go.”

Giving things a go is something she encourages other young women starting out in dairying.

“Be curious and pick the brains of others and learn from your mistakes because we all make them,” she says.

“Most of all, have fun!”

She hopes to continue giving back to her local community.

“It would be great to one day own a farm and be able to offer a young couple the same opportunity we were given,” she says.

“Personally, industry good is where my heart lies and I want to expand my farming knowledge as much as I can, go deeper with information and understanding, and give back more.”