Hereford Youth New Zealand

Hereford Youth New Zealand 1

Dunbia was proud to sponsor four young farmers to travel to New Zealand earlier this year to represent the UK at the World Hereford Conference. An international event hosted every four years, the UK Hereford Youth team, in conjunction with the Hereford Cattle Society were chosen to compete against countries from around the world. The four successful candidates were selected after attending a range of workshops around the UK and included Sophie Harvey (24), Ryan Coates (27), James Ludgate (29) and Matthew Rollason (24) of Dunbia. During the summer of 2019, Dunbia Sawley welcomed 16 young breeders to take part in a series of practical sessions that included selecting prime animals for slaughter, before following them through the factory and grading the finished carcases as part of the selection process.

Just before the COVID-19 lockdown was enforced, the team arrived in New Zealand and visited Hereford studs around the North and South Islands to compare breeding programmes with to those in the UK. The main event saw the team going head-to-head against six other countries in various challenges. These included everything from fencing, butchery, business planning, genetic selection and animal health. At the end of the week, the team competed at the Wannaka Show, where ring etiquette, clipping and public speaking skills were put to the test. James Ludgate was later selected as Reserve Overall in the Young Handler competition.

After returning home, Matthew said “the trip showed us how different world markets and geography had a direct influence on the traits pedigree breeders were selecting for. This commercial focus will be really important for UK breeders post-Brexit, where an emphasis on efficiency will likely have greater importance throughout the supply chain. We plan to utilise this knowledge in shaping the breeding policies within our own herds in the future. On behalf of the Team, I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to Dunbia for their generous sponsorship and for making this amazing travel opportunity a reality”.

Agriculture

Working across key areas such as supply chain, animal welfare, and sustainable agriculture, you will get involved in all aspects of the agriculture and research and development areas within the business.

Environmental

This varied role will provide you with an opportunity to get involved in all aspects of the Environmental department and participate in continuous improvement projects within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

Human Resources

As your skills and knowledge develop over time, you will get involved in all aspects of HR within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment and your responsibility will increase.

Retail National Account Management

This exciting role will see you gain a wide range of business experience skills, providing support to major UK retail supermarket customer accounts. 

Operations & Commercial

Work in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment gaining a hands-on experience across all aspects of operations, production and commercial with a focus on continuous improvement. 

New Product Development

You will be involved in supporting and managing the NPD process to ensure new and re-developed products are launched successfully. 

Livestock procurement

An exciting opportunity to learn about all areas of livestock procurement within the business, gaining a full understanding of production and operations.

Food Safety & Quality

A hands-on opportunity to understand and impact on food safety, quality and animal welfare across a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. Ensuring legislative compliance, customer excellence and continuous improvement.

Mechanical Engineering

As an engineering graduate you will be hands on and, on the go, working in a fast paced, busy environment overseeing electrical, mechanical and automation projects in a food manufacturing business.

Accounting & Finance

Gain a robust understanding in all aspects of the Finance Function with support at every step of the way to attain the professional qualifications needed to become a finance leader of the future.