Building new skills in dairy
24 November 2025
When English backpacker Daniella Ashworth began farm work on a Tasmanian dairy to meet her visa requirements, she never imagined she’d still be there three years later.
After the COVID lockdowns in London, she came to Australia for a change of scenery and a break from her physiotherapy career. But halfway through her working holiday visa, she faced a choice – return home or spend three months on a farm.
A post on Facebook put her in touch with a corporate farm in Dairy Plains. This was in 2022, and Daniella hasn’t looked back.
“I just love being outdoors and I just found myself in love with the lifestyle,” she says.
“There’s something different for each part of the year – whereas in my past profession I was seeing the same thing every day.”
With a background in physiotherapy, Daniella entered the industry with no prior experience.
“I didn’t know anything about agriculture and hadn’t even really worked with animals,” she says.
Since then, she’s completed multiple Dairy Australia courses, including Rearing Healthy Calves and Milking and Mastitis Management, along with training in down cow management and animal care and nutrition.
“You get the practical knowledge and experience on the farm and then the courses consolidate everything from a theoretical point of view,” Daniella explains.
With the support from the Dairy Australia Tasmanian team, Daniella was provided with guidance and options to undertake courses that were of best interest to her development and the farm business needs.
“We work closely with farmers and team members like Daniella to identify training that builds both confidence and capability on the farm. It’s rewarding to see participants take what they learn and immediately apply it to their day-to-day work,” says Nathan Bakker, Dairy Australia’s Extension Advisor.
“I don’t have any kind of outside knowledge other than what goes on at the property I work at, so being able to go away and be given some theory – and then bring ideas and discussions back to the farm – is really great,” Daniella says.
It has also provided Daniella the opportunity to connect with other local farm employees that are also new to the industry or have more experience.
“I came into the industry not knowing anyone and these have allowed me to meet other young people in my area,” she says.
“I think everyone gets a bit nervous when they do some kind of training and they're not sure what to expect, but I think all these programs are set to a good level. Even if you have got more experience or prior knowledge, you will still take away something.”
Daniella says the courses were a particularly good starting point for people that don't have a huge agricultural background.
“I came from a completely different industry with no prior experience, and these programs helped me build a solid base level of knowledge,” she says.
Daniella encourages those new to dairy to give it a go, saying she’s found the industry welcoming and supportive.
Starting as a farmhand, she’s now second in charge, thanks to the guidance and mentoring of others.
“Everyone is willing to lend a hand and share their knowledge to help you progress,” she says.
“It’s a really positive industry, with everyone working hard toward a common goal.”
For information about programs and services for building skills for successful careers in dairy farming or upcoming workshops, contact your local team or visit Training & Development.
A post on Facebook put her in touch with a corporate farm in Dairy Plains. This was in 2022, and Daniella hasn’t looked back.
“I just love being outdoors and I just found myself in love with the lifestyle,” she says.
“There’s something different for each part of the year – whereas in my past profession I was seeing the same thing every day.”
With a background in physiotherapy, Daniella entered the industry with no prior experience.
“I didn’t know anything about agriculture and hadn’t even really worked with animals,” she says.
Since then, she’s completed multiple Dairy Australia courses, including Rearing Healthy Calves and Milking and Mastitis Management, along with training in down cow management and animal care and nutrition.
“You get the practical knowledge and experience on the farm and then the courses consolidate everything from a theoretical point of view,” Daniella explains.
With the support from the Dairy Australia Tasmanian team, Daniella was provided with guidance and options to undertake courses that were of best interest to her development and the farm business needs.
“We work closely with farmers and team members like Daniella to identify training that builds both confidence and capability on the farm. It’s rewarding to see participants take what they learn and immediately apply it to their day-to-day work,” says Nathan Bakker, Dairy Australia’s Extension Advisor.
“I don’t have any kind of outside knowledge other than what goes on at the property I work at, so being able to go away and be given some theory – and then bring ideas and discussions back to the farm – is really great,” Daniella says.
It has also provided Daniella the opportunity to connect with other local farm employees that are also new to the industry or have more experience.
“I came into the industry not knowing anyone and these have allowed me to meet other young people in my area,” she says.
“I think everyone gets a bit nervous when they do some kind of training and they're not sure what to expect, but I think all these programs are set to a good level. Even if you have got more experience or prior knowledge, you will still take away something.”
Daniella says the courses were a particularly good starting point for people that don't have a huge agricultural background.
“I came from a completely different industry with no prior experience, and these programs helped me build a solid base level of knowledge,” she says.
Daniella encourages those new to dairy to give it a go, saying she’s found the industry welcoming and supportive.
Starting as a farmhand, she’s now second in charge, thanks to the guidance and mentoring of others.
“Everyone is willing to lend a hand and share their knowledge to help you progress,” she says.
“It’s a really positive industry, with everyone working hard toward a common goal.”
For information about programs and services for building skills for successful careers in dairy farming or upcoming workshops, contact your local team or visit Training & Development.