Connecting the next generation
Shanice Young has built up the Te Puke Young Farmers Club, and in return, the club’s engagement has helped build Shanice. Words Sheryl Haitana.
Self-proclaimed shy farmer Shanice Young has boosted her confidence and connections by getting involved with her local NZ Young Farmers Club.
Shanice, 28, has worked in the dairy industry for the past five years and currently works as 2IC for contract milker Dayna Rowe, milking 1,000 cows at Pongakawa in the Bay of Plenty.
“Farming is more than a job – it’s a lifestyle, and it’s exciting,” says Shanice. “You never know what each day will bring.”
She moved to the Bay of Plenty on her own to pursue work in the dairy industry and didn’t know many people, so her former boss dragged her along to a Young Farmers meeting.
“My old boss was a member of Te Puke Young Farmers. I was too shy to go by myself, but he took me along, and by the third meeting I was on the committee as the Health and Safety Officer. Then I became Chair.”
Shanice has remained Chair for the past two years, during which time the club has grown from just six members to more than 30.
“Young Farmers is so cool because you realise you’re not the only one who’s struggling or feeling alone.” – Shanice Young, Te Puke Young Farmers Club
“We’ve expanded it from Ōhope through to Tauranga, and opened it up to the whole rural sector – encouraging farmers, growers, and rural professionals to join.
“Young Farmers has helped me grow so much as a person. I used to be really shy and had a lot of anxiety. It’s pushed me out of my comfort zone and boosted my confidence to be a role model to others.”
Young Farmers is more than just competitions, she says – it’s a way for young people in the rural sector to build friendships and support each other through their careers. Giving young people a reason to get off the farm is critical, as farming can be a lonely and challenging experience, especially when you’re starting out on the bottom of the ladder.
“Farming can be really hard. Often, young people are working on farms away from their hometowns and don’t know many people. It’s easy to fall into a routine of just working and going home.
“Young Farmers is so cool because you realise you’re not the only one who’s struggling or feeling alone. We support each other through the hard times. My Young Farmers Club feels like my second family; I’m always checking in on them.”
Shanice says the connections made through Young Farmers can also lead to great job opportunities. Her future goal is to step up into a farm manager role and eventually lead an all-women team on a dairy farm.
“I really want to lead a team of strong women. It can be tough entering this industry as a woman, but I want others to see what’s possible and not be afraid of where they can go.”
