Dairy Farmer Lisa Lyons Balances Education and Agriculture Amid Health Challenges

Lisa Lyons, a dairy farmer in the Tararua District, has managed to merge her passion for agriculture with her academic pursuits, even as she confronts significant health issues. Lyons and her husband have been involved in the dairy industry for over two decades, progressing from farm management to ownership. Their journey began in Northland and led them to the Tararua District in 2005, where they initially engaged in sharemilking in Woodville. By 2006, they purchased their first farm in Dannevirke, eventually moving to a larger property in Pahiatua in 2015.

Despite a diagnosis of osteoarthritis in her hip in 2023, Lyons pursued further education, enrolling in the Integrated Farm and Environment Management course in 2025. Her return to studies was driven by the need to expand her career options and manage her health condition, which may eventually require a hip replacement. Lyons emphasizes that her educational experience has provided her with a deeper understanding of farming systems and environmental policy, particularly in the context of freshwater farm planning and sustainability.

Lyons' academic achievements include receiving the New Zealand Society of Soil Science Undergraduate Prize, which recognizes excellence in soil science research. This recognition has further motivated her to consider pursuing a master’s degree, although balancing academic aspirations with farming responsibilities remains challenging. During most of the farming season, Lyons and her husband manage the farm operations independently, with additional help from an international student during the summer months.

Lyons also contributes to the agricultural community by tutoring students from the Primary Industry Training Organisation who are completing their level three and four qualifications. Her role as a tutor complements her farming duties, which range from calf rearing and pasture management to financial planning and environmental compliance.

The integration of education and agriculture in Lyons' career highlights the versatility and potential for growth within the farming industry. According to Lyons, the opportunities for development and upskilling in agriculture are vast, with the potential to lead to diverse career paths, including political roles, company leadership, or advocacy positions.