Tarngate is a new farm operation within BEL Group’s major development programme. This spring-calving, pasture-first farm will milk 1,000 cows across 232ha effective, with a new 60-bale rotary (under construction), full irrigation, and modern in-shed tech including in-shed feeding, auto teat spray, walk-over weigh and auto drafting.
Set on a flat, well-laid-out property, Tarngate is a great opportunity for a capable Assistant Farm Manager who enjoys structure, technology, and strong pasture-based systems — and who can help set the daily rhythm and standards as the farm embeds into its long-term operating model. Located around 15 minutes from Waipukurau and close to schools and local amenities, Tarngate includes a large on-farm family home that will be refurbished.
About BEL Group
BEL Group is a large, family-owned dairy business in Central Hawke’s Bay, employing around 70 permanent staff across multiple farms and a central Business Services team. Values-led and people-focused, BEL Group is known for building long-term careers — with Working Together, Showing Pride, Delivering Results, and Being Responsible guiding how the business operates.
It’s also an exciting time to join. BEL Group is investing heavily in farm development and infrastructure, with major projects underway and a clear pasture-first strategy focused on getting the most from grass through simple, repeatable systems. With solid support behind the farms, this is a business where capable people are backed to grow and take on more.
The opportunity
This is a hands-on Assistant Farm Manager role working closely with the Farm Manager to keep the farm running cleanly and consistently, while building your leadership capability in a high-spec, pasture-first system. You’ll be trusted to step up and lead the team when the Farm Manager is away, keeping daily priorities on track and helping deliver on-farm targets.
Day to day, your focus will include:
- Leading by example on safe work practices, including raising and recording hazards/incidents in FarmIQ and supporting inductions when needed.
- Driving disciplined pasture and feed execution, keeping dairy routines efficient, and maintaining strong standards of farm presentation and asset care.
- Owning irrigation execution and checks, with a clear plan in place during manager absences.
- Keeping on top of key records and compliance, including NAIT movements and timely entries into MINDA, and supporting environmental and effluent requirements.
- Being a calm, practical point of leadership for the team and escalating issues early when needed.
To succeed, you’ll bring a solid farming foundation, a strong attitude, and the confidence to lead when required. Ideally you’ll have at least four years’ dairy farming experience, be comfortable using farm systems and tech, and be keen to keep developing your pasture management and people leadership skills.