Growing a great future in dairy: Nathan’s practical path to success

Our people are grounded changemakers. They’re practical, curious, innovative and driven by purpose. We caught up with Extension Advisor Nathan Bakker to hear how he found his way into the dairy industry, and how he’s built a career that lets him support others, stay connected to community and do work that truly matters.

Finding purpose and potential 

Finding purpose and potential Nathan Bakker didn’t grow up on a farm. In fact, his early years were a world away from the paddocks of Tasmania. But when a casual job measuring grass came up at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), he thought — why not?

“I grew up in the city and didn’t know anything about farming, let alone the dairy industry,” says Nathan. “I was working in security, and that job was coming to an end. Then I heard TIA needed someone to walk around four farms measuring pasture. I thought I’d give it a go.”

That one-off gig proved to be a turning point in Nathan’s career. Over the next decade, Nathan built a wealth of hands-on experience from milking cows and rearing calves to contributing to research on virtual fencing and running student engagement programs.

“I just kept saying yes to new things. I didn’t expect to end up in agriculture, but once I got started, I loved it.”

Today, Nathan is an Extension Advisor at Dairy Australia, leading animal health programs across Tasmania and bringing young farmers together through networking community events.

“My role is pretty varied. I co-deliver animal health training alongside vets, courses on things like milk quality and raising healthy calves. I also coordinate our Young Dairy Network, which gives young farmers a chance to learn, connect and build community.”

Impact when it counts

Nathan’s work isn’t just about training and animal health — it’s about people. His approach is built on more than just know-how. It’s rooted in humility and authenticity — something that resonates deeply in the Tasmanian dairy community.

Take the severe weather event in August 2024. As heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts swept through Tasmania, Nathan and the team were on the phones, checking in on farmers and getting support out quickly.

“When the storm hit Tasmania, our team jumped into action. We were calling around just to make sure farmers were okay. That’s the kind of team we have here — we look out for each other.”

In times of crisis, Nathan and his team roll out rapid-response training like Healthy Hooves and Milking Mastitis programs after severe wet seasons, or feed strategy sessions during dry seasons.

“We’re here to support our farmers. We’re doing this so they can build better environments for their animals and their people. I tell people I’m lucky to work in this industry. You can call up a farmer and have a proper chat. That kind of connection, you can’t fake that.”

All for community

When he’s not delivering training or connecting with farmers, Nathan’s just as busy in the community — volunteering as a firefighter, playing tuba in the local brass band, mentoring young people through a youth program and even coordinating logistics for the town’s annual Christmas carols event.

It might sound like a full schedule, but for Nathan, it’s all part of the same mission.

“Whether it’s a young farmer on their first job or a teenager figuring out what’s next, I just want to help people to see what’s possible — and to back themselves. That’s what drives me.”

Nathan’s story proves that you don’t need to come from a farming background or follow a straight path to build a career in dairy.

“I didn’t enjoy school. I never thought I’d go to university. But someone believed in me. And from that, I grew into a job I now love.”

Nathan went on to complete an associate degree in agribusiness management while working full-time — an achievement that not only shaped his own path, but now helps him guide others on theirs.

Looking ahead, he’s excited to keep growing in his role, in the community and alongside the farmers he supports.

“If people want to progress, I want to help them do that. Whether that’s becoming a manager on a farm, getting into research or just learning something new — seeing people thrive, that’s what it’s all about.”