Alex Iremonger

Alex Iremonger grew up in Thornton, a rural community situated in the Bay of Plenty. Surrounded by the intensive dairy operations that define the local region, a career in agriculture was a natural choice from a young age. He describes himself as persistent, courageous, and outgoing. These three specific traits are highly valuable for a young farmer stepping into the dairy sector, a working environment where long hours, early morning starts, and physical resilience are the standard baseline. 

He attended Whakatane High School, but his practical education began right next door to his family home. Alex actively sought out work experience on two neighbouring farms. He did not shy away from the dirty jobs, putting in the effort over a couple of months to learn the basics of the trade. Once he proved his work ethic and reliability, he stepped up to relief milking. 

Relief milking is a demanding job. It requires a young farmer to step into different milking sheds, quickly understand the specific routines of that farm, and keep the operation running smoothly when the full time staff need a break. This early, hands on experience gave him a highly realistic view of the dairy industry. He credits his old farm manager as the biggest influence on his career so far. This manager took the time to teach him the ropes in the early stages, giving him a solid foundation of practical skills and stock sense. 

The Move to Pāmu 

When it came time to formalise his career path, Alex joined the Pāmu apprenticeship programme. He made this decision to ensure he had the best possible start to his rural working life. He wanted to hit the ground running, taking theoretical classroom knowledge and applying it directly in the paddock. He knew that getting the right support structure was essential for long term success. 

Arriving on his first day at the station, he felt completely excited to meet the team and get straight to work. What interests him most about working for a large scale agricultural organisation is the daily exposure to new technology. Modern dairy farming relies heavily on technology for drafting, heat detection, and herd management. Being exposed to this gear early on gives him a massive operational advantage. He also highly values the ongoing backing from the management team, and he looks up to the farm managers and business managers within the company as his current role models. 

A Focus on Pasture and Production 

While he is keen to learn a wide range of practical abilities, including butchery skills, Alex is highly focused on one specific area of farming: pasture management. He understands that growing and allocating good grass is the core engine of any profitable New Zealand dairy farm. 

Pasture management goes far beyond simply opening a gate. It involves calculating dry matter, understanding rotation lengths, and managing soil fertility to match the seasonal demands of a milking herd. Alex notes that mastering pasture management is vital because it makes the animals healthier and fatter. A well fed cow directly translates to increased milk production and higher overall milk solid quality. 

His educational goal during the apprenticeship is to complete his Primary ITO Level 3 and Level 4 certificates. Because he has a clear focus on the business and management side of farming, he is also potentially looking at tackling a diploma in agriculture in the future. 

The Outdoors and Fresh Air 

Alex is an outdoorsman through and through. When asked about his absolute favourite thing about the job, his answer is simple. He just likes being out in the fresh air every day, working directly with the animals. Dairy farming keeps a person physically active and constantly connected to the weather and the seasons. 

When the morning and afternoon milkings are done and he has time off the farm, he spends his hours hunting and fishing. The Bay of Plenty region offers excellent access to both the bush and the ocean. These hobbies fit perfectly with the rural lifestyle, allowing him to step away from the shed, reset, and stay connected to the natural environment on his days off. 

Looking to a Sharemilking Future 

Alex has mapped out a highly ambitious and clearly defined set of goals for his future in the dairy sector. He plans to take all the valuable tips, practical tricks, and strict safety routines he learns during his time at Pāmu and carry them over to his future roles. 

In five years, he expects to be working in a managerial position on a dairy farm, taking responsibility for the daily running of a herd and the staff. Beyond that, his ultimate dream is clearly set on traditional progression. He wants to secure a 50/50 sharemilking contract, milking a herd of 500 cows. 

Fifty fifty sharemilking is a massive undertaking. It requires the sharemilker to own the entire herd and the farm machinery, while the farm owner provides the land and the milking shed. Building up the capital required to purchase 500 cows takes years of financial discipline, deep industry knowledge, and excellent livestock management.