For some, like Emily Paul and her sister Georgie, dairy farming is more than just a job—it’s a way of life. Both work on their family’s dairy farm and love being out in nature, surrounded by animals. “You can’t beat being out here on a lovely day,” Emily, 24, explained. “It’s good for your physical health, good for your mental health. Sure, it’s not a nine-to-five, but I wouldn’t be doing anything else.”

Georgie, 23, left home for a time to explore the world of horse racing, but ultimately returned to the farm. “You just can’t beat it here, with the family, the cows, and farming,” she added.

Myths vs. Reality

Despite the Paul sisters' enthusiasm, many young people remain hesitant to pursue dairy farming as a career. According to a recent survey, 50% of dairy farmers report difficulties finding the right staff. Peterson points to outdated perceptions as a key reason for this.

Modern dairy farms are far from the old-fashioned image many might expect. Today’s farms employ cutting-edge technology, including robotic milking systems, data analytics, and green technology to reduce carbon emissions. "The technologies involved are incredible, and we need highly skilled people to operate them," Peterson said. There’s also an increasing focus on sustainability, with farms altering cows’ diets to reduce methane emissions.

To give students a realistic view of modern dairy farming, Peterson’s team has produced a series of "virtual work experience" videos showcasing the tech and animal husbandry skills required for the job.

Young Enthusiasts in the Field

Sophie Phillips, 19, is one of the few young people fully committed to the dairy industry. She recently won a first-prize rosette for her Guernsey calf, "Empress Bountiful Crunch," at the Royal Bath and West Showground. “It’s such a rewarding job,” she said. “You’re outdoors, working for your future, not someone else’s, and I wouldn’t do anything else.”

Vet student Azra Anzar, 22, is another young professional excited about the opportunities in farming. "I’ve already worked on dairy farms, a sheep farm, and even an alpaca farm," she said. “Being able to help animals and then see them running around the next day is great."

A Growing Opportunity

The dairy industry offers a unique blend of modern technology, sustainability initiatives, and traditional animal care. With the right skills and mindset, young people could find a rewarding and innovative career in a sector they may not have considered before. As Peterson concluded, "We need the next generation to see that farming offers more than meets the eye—there's a bright future in this industry."

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