The 23-year-old Central Plateau Dairy Trainee of the Year has a passion for working with animals and has relished the opportunity to grow within her parents’ business.
Olivia is 2IC on her parents’ 50ha farm milking 140 cows. Her parents, Nigel and Suzanne Wade, work on their 70ha block 2km up the road milking 190 cows.
Olivia quickly realised she didn’t enjoy being office-bound when she started studying computer and maths science at university.
She returned home and worked as a groom rider before her parents offered her a job.
“My parents said to give it a go. I didn’t know anything. I love the everyday challenges of farming – every day is different. You’re either learning something new, or taking something from it.”
Olivia enrolled with Primary ITO to help grow her knowledge. She has completed Level 4 and is now studying towards her Diploma in Agribusiness Management.
“It’s helping me with my future business. It gives me an idea of the finances involved and how to manage people.”
It’s the third year Olivia has entered the Dairy Industry Awards. She also won the DairyNZ Practical Skills and Rotorua Lakes Council Community and Industry Involvement awards.
She is co-chairman for Tihoi Young Farmers, head instructor of the Upper Atiamuri Pony Club and coach of the Timberlands North Island Show Jumping Team. She also has her own team of five horses she trains and competes with at horse events around the North Island.
The runner-up was Reporoa 2IC Claudia Odlin, and third was Mihi 2IC Liam Sangster.
