News > News Archives > AmBreed technicians enjoy rewards for skills
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AmBreed technicians enjoy rewards for skillsGrowing dairy herds in all regions around New Zealand have created work opportunities not only within the farm gate for those wanting to work in dairying. There is also a strong demand for skilled, hard working people who are needed for the less obvious but equally important tasks of keeping the country’s dairy cows in production. AmBreed’s artificial breeding technicians are the quiet overalled army that cover millions of kilometres a season, and are responsible for as many millions of inseminations over the dairy season. This season AmBreed is looking for more of them. Ever growing herd sizes and the increasing demand for Ambreed sires has created many opportunities for budding technicians throughout the country. Indeed, anywhere cows are, AmBreed technicians need to be. An AB technician with AmBreed is a vital job where skills are well rewarded. A good technician is capable of earning up to $20,000 in a typical AB season for around six weeks work. Further opportunities can open up well beyond the area with many technicians following the mating season southwards to continue earning, and enjoy the experience of living in a different part of the country for a few weeks. Flexibility part of the job
As a technician’s experience increases, so too can the scale of their AB round. Being self employed and contracted to AmBreed allows a technician to “set the pace” according to their confidence and personal circumstances. AmBreed’s national service manager Tony Smart says for a first season a technician may expect to do 3000 cows, but with a few season’s experience this could expand to 10,000 plus. The flexibility of the seasonal AB work can suit many people living in rural New Zealand looking for extra income, often fitting well with family and farm demands at home. “We often have farming woman work as technicians who can combine a round with their own herd, earning some useful income off the farm,” says Tony. Farmers who have retired or scaled down their involvement in the family farm may choose to take on an AB round, keeping them in touch with neighbouring farmers. It is a role many look forward to as much for the social contact as the extra income it brings. Comprehensive training guaranteed
To become an AmBreed technician involves a comprehensive training programme to ensure AmBreed clients receive the most consistent service standard possible. In contrast to some companies, AmBreed technicians don’t learn “on the job”, but are carefully monitored and selected based on their performance in training. A five day training course at an AmBreed approved facility has technicians practicing insertion on up to 100 live cows, with each insertion checked by senior AmBreed technical instructors for placement. The courses are also available for DIY technicians to train. Often technicians will start with their own herd before expanding their round out, their own success becoming the springboard to a valuable seasonal income and exposure to greater cow numbers. An expanding future for AmBreed technicians
Tony Smart is confident the need for more technicians will be with the company for many seasons to come. Not only is interest in AmBreed semen growing every year, but as herds get larger, more owners want the skilled and vital job of insemination carried out by people trained working on thousands of cows every year. “It is a critical task that may often be underestimated, but is greatly appreciated by our clients whose herds’ future depends on a technician’s ability to do a good job when it counts.” |