**Job Description**
440 cows | 200ha effective | 50% Autumn & 50% Spring Calving | Upwards of 160,000KgMS
**About the Farm**
Ararua Hills Farm is a 267-hectare property in Ararua, Northland, operated by Adam and Laura Cullen under Cullands Limited. What began as a sharemilking venture has evolved into farm ownership and a leading example of regenerative and sustainable dairying practices. The farm’s long-term plan to be profitable net-zero food producers while improving the health of the land, water, animals and community creating a farming ecosystem.
Of the total area, 200 hectares form the dairy platform, while peak milking 440 cows across a split-calving system producing approximately 160,000 kg MS each season with the support of a 95ha lease block adjacent to the home farm. A further 30Ha have been retired to native planting and transitional forest, the business continues to evolve its sustainability work; including wetland restoration, minimum tillage cropping and strategic nitrogen use. This is supported by a governance framework that ensures farming decisions considers its environmental footprint.
The farm offers staff well supported infrastructure, with a 50 bale rotary milking parlour, feed pad and well maintained machinery.
**The Opportunity**
Cullands Ltd is seeking a Farm Manager to take operational leadership of Ararua Hills Farm’s dairy platform. This newly developed role will allow the business owners to focus on strategic direction and the delivery of their sustainability goals, while the Farm Manager oversees daily operations, herd health and team performance.
The business is continually looking to improve its pasture harvested on farm through regressing, soil health and attention to detail with pasture management.
This is an opportunity to be part of a business that is demonstrating strong stewardship of the land. Cullands Ltd offers a down-to-earth workplace where communication and learning are valued, and where capable people are trusted to manage with independence.
**About the Successful Candidate**
- **KPI Performance:** Brings a strong grasp of pasture-based dairy systems, production planning and farm business management. Understands how to set, track and achieve performance targets while maintaining efficiency and profitability.
- **Soil & Environment:** Shares Cullands’ belief that great farming is a partnership with nature; that healthy soils, thriving ecosystems, and profitable farming go hand in hand. Is curious about regenerative practices such as cover cropping, no-till systems, and soil-biology-based decision-making and understands the link between soil health and long-term productivity.
- **Animals:** Takes pride in the health and performance of animals with a focus around the fundamentals of how feeding impacts drying off, calving and reproduction. Has solid experience in animal health, breeding and seasonal planning, taking pride in achieving consistent herd performance and welfare outcomes. Sees animal wellbeing as central to both production success and ethical farming practice.
- **People Leadership:** Leads with calm confidence, building a culture of teamwork, communication and continuous improvement. Plans ahead, develops capability in others and creates an environment where people, animals and land all thrive together. Is open to being part of field day discussions.
The successful applicant will receive a competitive salary, quality on-farm housing and the chance to enjoy the Northland lifestyle – surf beaches, bush walks and a strong local community. Beyond that, they will be part of a farm that is actively restoring ecosystems, regenerating soils, reducing emissions and showing that profitability and environmental responsibility can thrive together.
