Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Hobbies and Interests
References
Key Herd Manager Skills
Timeline
Generic
AMELIA COPELAND

AMELIA COPELAND

Morrinsville,Waikato

Summary

Bachelor of Science majoring in Animal Science graduate with experience as a full-time Herd Manager. Skilled in all aspects of the dairy farming season including calving, mating, and dry off. Proficient in animal husbandry, handling, and milk harvesting. Passionate about animal nutrition and dairy farm management. Organized and determined individual eager for new challenges.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Herd Manager

Piako Pastures
Morrinsville, Waikato
06.2023 - Current
  • Developed strategies for improving herd productivity and profitability.
  • Assisted with artificial insemination procedures as needed.
  • Conducted routine hoof trimming when necessary.
  • Manage the daily care of all stock including feeding and milking operations.
  • Have started pasture management practices such as rotational grazing.
  • Sole charge management level

Herd Test Technician and Assist

Livestock Improvement Cooperation (LIC)
09.2022 - 12.2022
  • My responsibilities in this role include working in a small team, setting up herd tests on dairy farms across the Waikato.
  • I traveled around in my allocated area in an LIC truck, loaded with herd testing equipment.
  • I have also carried out herd test assists, where I help farmers to use the LIC software 'ezilink' or physically help them carry out their test in the dairy shed.

Farm Assistant

Green Ridges (Steeghs Limited)
06.2020 - 08.2022
  • I have been a full-time farm assistant for a season and a half for Rory and Kirsty Steeghs.
  • I have had the responsibility of milking 360 crossbred cows.
  • I have confidently participated in all areas of the dairy farming season.

Yearling Preparation Staff

Breckon Farms
11.2020 - 02.2021
  • I was employed over summer by a standardbred horse stud to assist with their yearling preparation for the 2021 Karaka Sales
  • In this role I had the responsibility of over 30 yearlings in a small team environment
  • Our day-to-day activities consist of handling horses, feeding and mucking out

Equine Assistant / General Farm Hand

Te Akau Stud - David Ellis
01.2019 - 02.2020
  • In this role, I assisted in all areas of equine work, including monitoring and feeding over 120 horses each day, administering health products, hosing down, and gearing up horses.
  • I also assisted in general farm jobs, including moving stock, fencing, and farm maintenance.

Veterinary Clinic Assistant

Bucklands Beach Veterinary Clinic
01.2015 - 01.2018
  • I worked at my local veterinary clinic for 3 years as an employee, as well as completing over 80 hours of practical work experience as a volunteer.
  • My job consisted of cleaning the clinic, together with cages, monitoring animals before and after surgery, as well as general reception duties.

Stable Yard Manager and Instructor

Bartley Riding Academy
01.2012 - 01.2018
  • While being involved in the riding school with my own horses for 13 years, I was employed by Bartley Riding Academy in various roles.
  • I have assisted in junior school holiday programs and lessons.
  • In my final year, I was promoted to Senior Yard Manager.
  • This role included the responsibility for 30 horses, supervising riders for lessons, and general yard duties on a weekly basis.

Education

New Zealand Apprenticeship - Agriculture (Dairy Farming)

Primary ITO
10.2024

Bachelor of Science - Animal Science

Massey University
12.2020

NCEA Level 3 -

Macleans College

Skills

  • Dairy Milking Procedures
  • Understanding Milk Standards
  • Milk Plant Maintenance
  • Safe handling of cows
  • Calf Management Skills
  • Mating management and heat detection
  • Basic machinery maintenance
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Self-motivated
  • Strong communication
  • Reliability
  • Punctuality
  • Professional communication
  • Efficient Task Execution
  • High standard of work
  • Physical Stamina

Hobbies and Interests

I have a passion for all animals, especially horses. I have enjoyed riding for 13 years as well as all the care and responsibility for my own horses. I enjoy the great outdoors and spending time with my family on their lifestyle block. Through choosing Animal Science as a pathway, my passion for animal production, dairy farming and farm management has grown.

References

  • Kirsty Steeghs, Green Ridges (Steeghs Dairy), 0210432230, kirstysteeghs@gmail.com
  • Hayden Purvis, Relief Milking Manager, 0272056405
  • Alun Faulkner, National Technical Manager Nutritech, 0276003131, afaulkner@nutritech.co.nz
  • Jessica Bartley, Owner of Bartley Riding Academy, 0211696622, karren@bartleyriding.co.nz

Key Herd Manager Skills

- Assisting in efficient and hygienic milking routines including milking safely and calmly

- Safe and calm handling of cows of all ages: calves, heifers and the milking herd

- Assist with handling and rearing calves confidently and safely

- Can confidently assist with mating management including heat detection

- Knows how to safely operate farm vehicles and machinery

- Works well within a small farm team

- Strong networking and negotiation skills 

- Self-driven and motivated individual

- Well organised with a strong purpose of being reliable and punctual

Timeline

Herd Manager

Piako Pastures
06.2023 - Current

Herd Test Technician and Assist

Livestock Improvement Cooperation (LIC)
09.2022 - 12.2022

Yearling Preparation Staff

Breckon Farms
11.2020 - 02.2021

Farm Assistant

Green Ridges (Steeghs Limited)
06.2020 - 08.2022

Equine Assistant / General Farm Hand

Te Akau Stud - David Ellis
01.2019 - 02.2020

Veterinary Clinic Assistant

Bucklands Beach Veterinary Clinic
01.2015 - 01.2018

Stable Yard Manager and Instructor

Bartley Riding Academy
01.2012 - 01.2018

New Zealand Apprenticeship - Agriculture (Dairy Farming)

Primary ITO

Bachelor of Science - Animal Science

Massey University

NCEA Level 3 -

Macleans College
AMELIA COPELAND