PhD Scholarship - Regenerative Dairy Farming (Fully Funded)

About the role:

Are you passionate about sustainable agriculture and ready to make a meaningful impact in the dairy industry? Dairy Australia, in collaboration with the Whenua Haumanu team, is offering a fully funded PhD opportunity at Massey University, New Zealand, focused on cutting-edge research in regenerative dairy farming.

About the Program

The PhD research program, Whenua Haumanu – Nurturing the Land through Exploring Pastoral Farming, aims to scientifically evaluate the effects of diverse pastures and regenerative farming (RF) practices in Aotearoa New Zealand. This is your chance to contribute to groundbreaking research that challenges conventional wisdom and explores whether traditional pastoral systems are already regenerative.

Led by Professor Danny Donaghy, this project centers around dairy farmlet trials with five lactations remaining. You’ll be part of a dynamic research team and complete your PhD over three years, conferred by Massey University.

What’s on Offer

Dairy Australia will support the successful candidate with a generous funding package, including:

• Full coverage of university enrolment and course fees
• Competitive PhD scholarship
• Relocation assistance to New Zealand
• Potential funding for a fourth year, based on progress

About Dairy Australia: 

Dairy Australia’s role is to provide services that benefit and advance dairy farm businesses and the industry. These services deliver value by enhancing farm business management, supporting farm employment needs, driving herd and feed innovation, managing climate and environment, promoting Australian dairy and commitment to sustainability, supporting policy development, growing international markets and responding to critical issues and events such as floods and bushfires. 

Our Vision and Values: 

At Dairy Australia, our vision is simple, to be leaders in shaping a profitable and sustainable dairy industry. Our passionate and talented people share this vision and make an impact each day through their commitment to our values of: 

• Farmer First - Farmer needs guide our purpose 
• One Team - We work together to achieve great things 
• Innovative Thinking - We embrace new ideas and learning as we go 
• Decisive Action - We make informed decisions and move quickly to implement 

Who Should Apply

We’re seeking motivated individuals with a strong academic background and a passion for agricultural innovation. To be eligible, you must hold an Honours or Master’s degree in agricultural, animal, veterinary, or a closely related science.

How to Apply:

Applications must include the following:

• one page cover letter
• your current CV
• copy of your university transcript.

Please note interviews may be scheduled prior to application closing date.