@RuaFarm Having a business plan and a budget is a good start. Knowing whether you will need an overdraft facility and how much you will need/when it will be paid will be important if you need financing to cover your first few months until good milk payments start coming in. You will have a range of farming related things to pay for: generally shed power, can be rubberware, any farm bike or farm vehicle expenses in relation to your own vehicles, wages if you have to employ staff, relief milking. Allow for other non direct related expenses insurance (including public liability), ACC, Accounting as well. Scale of job depends on your level of experience, what responsibility you want to take on and what is likely to be your net profit. Do your homework as bigger doesn't always mean more profitable. As far as gear goes generally farmbike or equivalent is the main capital outlay (job dependent though). Good luck! Paul

@Annie Good employers are looking for attitude and aptitude for learning. With the right attitude and the ability to learn an entry level person can quickly become a valuable member of the team. Deal breakers can be drug and alcohol issues. Attitude problems. Sketchy employment history. Poor previous references would definitely count against you if there are two equal candidates.

@RuaFarm Having a business plan and a budget is a good start. Knowing whether you will need an overdraft facility and how much you will need/when it will be paid will be important if you need financing to cover your first few months until good milk payments start coming in. You will have a range of farming related things to pay for: generally shed power, can be rubberware, any farm bike or farm vehicle expenses in relation to your own vehicles, wages if you have to employ staff, relief milking. Allow for other non direct related expenses insurance (including public liability), ACC, Accounting as well. Scale of job depends on your level of experience, what responsibility you want to take on and what is likely to be your net profit. Do your homework as bigger doesn't always mean more profitable. As far as gear goes generally farmbike or equivalent is the main capital outlay (job dependent though). Good luck! Paul

@Anna I share the views above. Keeping everyone in the loop is essential. Having a plan and being proactive also important. Knowing your numbers thoroughly and making decisions early can avoid stress and pressure further down the line.