Herd Manager

**Job Description** Carries out milk harvesting tasks safely, efficiently, and correctly, and assists in training new employees on correct techniques. Assists with solving milk quality problems, as per instructions in farm policy manual. Helps farm assistants to understand factors that affect milk quality, hygienic milking and mastitis control procedures. Cleans and maintains the milking plant and farm dairy equipment, and carries out hygiene inspections as per instructed in on farm policy manual. Moves and handles animals safely, identifies and diagnoses animal health issues, and assists with treatments and prevention in line with farm policy. Records and maintains all herd health treatments and events according to on-farm policy or dairy company policy, as per advised by manager. Observes, records and reports on cows preparing to calve, and calves’ cows in line with farm policy. Moves, handles and rears calves, identifies and diagnoses calving-related health issues. Understands the mating management policy for the farm. Recognizes cows on heat, and records as per policy. Diagnoses and assists with treatment of breeding related health issues. Diagnoses and assists with treatment of breeding related health issues. Observes, identifies and manages pasture/crop weeds, or reports these to appropriate team member as advised. Knows the crops on farm, sets appropriate feeding allocations, and is aware of associated animal health issues with crop feeding. Understands the on-farm feed policy, can calculate pasture and supplement requirements and set correct feeding levels. Recognizes and understands pasture quality, pasture covers and appropriate residuals, and implements best practice to maintain quality and avoid pasture damage. Feeds out supplements as advised ensuring there is minimal wastage, and is aware of associated feed health issues. Understands how the farms dairy effluent systems operate and how effluent affects the on-farm environment. Is aware of regional council requirements and their responsibilities to comply with these. Understands the farm environment plan and associated responsibilities. Follows farm policy to achieve best nutrient management practice. Understands regulations around land management and ensures their practice complies with these. Is learning how to use agrichemicals and fertilizers, safely and correctly. Understands regional council requirements around water use, and implements steps to achieve efficient water use in the farm dairy as advised in farm policy manual. Understands what their potential career path looks like and the skills required to get there. Actively looks for and considers opportunities to grow skills and take the next step. Understands own rights around employment agreements, minimum wage requirements, leave and accommodation, and how to communicate any issues to managers. Models the values and behaviors of a good workplace culture, through leading by example. Understands obligations around their own time management, and can prioritize work tasks. Safely erects and maintains both permanent and non-permanent electric and non-electric fences, as directed. Sets up, operates, and maintains the irrigation system according to workplace procedures and consents. Is beginning to problem-solve technological issues, and demonstrate initiative in using new technologies and data for insights and decision making. Operates farm vehicles and machinery in accordance with safety and regulatory obligations, and knows strategies to avoid hazards and biosecurity risks. Knows how to maintain good health on-farm, understands health and safety compliance requirements. Identifies hazards, understands safety procedures, and demonstrates safe on-farm work practices. Reports near misses and accidents in the relevant registers provided at induction. Knows how to safely operate and maintain equipment. Manages their general wellbeing using self-awareness, seeking support from farm team as required. Is aware of nutritional, physical, emotional and social needs. Models good health, safety and wellbeing behaviors to juniors, and communicates any issues. **Requirements** - Must be able to drive a tractor and with a valid driver's license - Must be able to detect mastitis and treat lame cows - Must have at least 2 years of dairy farm experience - A clear record, with no prior convictions, is required for this role. - A pre-employment drug test is required. **Additional Information** - Shed Type: 42 Bail Rotary - Farm Size (ha): 108 - Peak Herd Size (cows): 410 - Typical On-farm Staff: 1 - Position Start Date: 06/05/2026 - Accommodation available: Accommodation is available - Average Hours Per week: 40 - Roster: Single rotation - 11 Days on / 3 days Off - Remuneration: $62,400 annual salary

We need 2 Herd Managers to join our team for the 2026/2027 season. As a Herd Manager, you must have a natural love for animals and all agriculture. This is a full-time permanent role that requires you to work a minimum of 40 hours and a maximum of 50 hours per week at $30.00 - 33.00/hour. You must be physically fit, with a clean full driving license, criminal, and drug checks to be considered for the role. A minimum of 2 years NZ dairy work experience is required for this role. No pets are allowed in the shared accommodation. No smoking/vaping allowed in the shared accommodation and sheds. As a Herd Manager, you are expected to: - Carry out milk harvesting tasks safely, efficiently, and correctly, and assist in training new employees on correct techniques. - Assist with solving milk quality problems. - Help farm assistants to understand factors that affect milk quality, hygienic milking, and mastitis control procedures. - Clean and maintain the milking plant and farm dairy equipment and carry out hygiene inspections. - Move and handle animals safely, identify and diagnose animal health issues, and assist with treatments and prevention in line with farm policy. - Record and maintain all herd health treatments and events according to on-farm policy or dairy company policy, as advised by the manager. - Observe, record, and report on cows preparing to calve, and calves’ cows in line with farm policy. Please submit your CV with three contactable work referees.

We are looking for a full time staff member to join our team who has experience in tractor driving and feeding out with large wagons. You would be in charge of feed. There are 6 full time staff and 2 casuals. Accommodation is provided and included in the package which will be a 4 bedroom home with a double garage. Fully fenced section. Wood burner, Gas Fire and heat pump in hallway. Roster System is 7 on 2 off 4 on 1 off. Sun/Mon and following Tues. Start times in peak milking is 3.30am. This farm has split calving with approximately 500 in the autumn and 1100 in the spring. Drivers License Required Farm Size (ha) 560 Peak Herd Size (cows) 1550 Typical On-farm Staff 8 Position Start Date 01/06/2026 Accommodation available 4 Bedroom Home with double garage Hour Type season Average Hours Per week 45 Roster By negotiation Remuneration paid by Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits)

WE ARE NOT ACCREDITATED EMPLOYERS Our beautiful family owned and run farm is located just 2 mins from Oxford, 25 mins from Rangiora and only 40 mins to the centre of Christchurch, it is in an ideal location for those who want to live in the country but still like to be close to town. We are now in need of an enthusiastic farm assistant for next season. This is a newly created role, but our vision is to bring someone on board who may have a couple of months experience under their belt but is extremely serious about growing a career in the dairy industry. We are the type of people who are only too happy to impart our knowledge onto the next generation of dairy farmers. However, in return we do expect the person that works with us to take the role seriously. Dairy farming is not for the faint hearted as we have early starts and can have quite long days (especially during calving), so to be successful you must have a very strong work ethic, you must be reliable, honest, trustworthy and most importantly have a bright personality and a positive can-do attitude. Milking our 250 cows through a 22 aside Herringbone shed, if you have some milking experience, it will be a bonus, you must also be willing to learn to care for our cows, so being an animal lover is also a positive. There is a lovely modern one-bedroom cottage available on farm but do prefer no pets. We are looking to pay $24.00 per hour plus $200 a week accommodation. A safe and healthy work environment is also on offer; we are drug and smoke free. Farm Size (ha) 95 Peak Herd Size (cows) 250 Typical On-farm Staff 3 Position Start Date 01/06/2026 Accommodation available Modern 1 bedroom cottage $200 per week – Pref no pets. Hour Type week Average Hours Per week 50 Roster By negotiation Remuneration paid by Hourly / Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Yearly Remuneration if Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits) Neg.

Herd Manager – Lye Farm (DairyNZ Research Farm) Full-time, Permanent Near Hamilton (Newstead / Ruakura) Drive-in role – no accommodation 3-week rotating roster – work every 3rd weekend DairyNZ is looking for a capable and motivated Herd Manager to join the team at Lye Farm, our indoor dairy research farm near Hamilton. This is a hands-on role where you’ll lead the day-to-day management of a 300-cow herd, while supporting on-farm research that benefits dairy farmers across New Zealand. The role includes: - Milking, feeding, animal health, mating, and calving - Maintaining high standards of animal welfare and udder health - Supporting research trials by following farm plans and protocols - Recording and working with herd and performance data - Operating and caring for modern dairy infrastructure The farm: - 30-bail rotary with automatic cow ID and in-bail feeding - Indoor housing and feeding barns - Onsite laboratory If you’re keen on a practical Herd Manager role with variety and meaning — close to Hamilton — we’d love to hear from you.

We are seeking an experienced farm worker (2+ years) to work as a Herd Manager on a 1500-cow farm in the Balfour area. The farm is located approximately 45 minutes from Gore, milking through two Herringbone sheds. You'll have a range of duties to keep you busy, interested and developing including: - Milking and monitoring milk quality, - training junior staff, - stock handling and feeding (feed mgt), - fencing, weed control, - calving, calf rearing, - shed maintenance & preparation, - tractor operation for feeding out, baling, mowing and silage - monitoring, recording and maintaining animal health - and other general farm duties. Weekly hours are a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 50. Since farm work is dependent on a number of unknown factors like weather and animals, any hours worked beyond the agreed maximum in a fortnightly pay period will be paid at the agreed overtime rate. The schedule may vary; Roster will be 6 days on, 1 day off during calving season and 12 days on, 2 days off for the rest of the year. Wage is $29.66 per hour. Candidates must have previous dairy farming experience and are required to provide good related references. To be considered you must: - provide a CV which is current, correct and complete or alternative evidence of work (this is proof of work and professionalism and the employer will not consider you without this) - be a solid worker and with good character (where possible, we will do a criminal check) - be physically fit - be able to pass a pre-employment drug test Summary - if you're committed to getting up early, working hard, treating the animals with care and respect and communicating well with others, you will want this job (or last in it).

We require an enthusiastic person to assist us milking 550 cows in a great location 10 mins from Riversdale, Northern Southland. The successful candidate must be honest, hardworking, have the ability to work independently and alongside a successful and experienced farm manager. Duties will include controlling milking and feeding levels, pasture management, effluent management and general farm duties. The full-time position is a Herd Manager role. Guaranteed minimum of 30 hours per week. Renumeration is negotiable depending on the successful applicant's work experience and levels of responsibility at previous employment. Dairy farm experience (2 years) is required. A current NZ driver's license, a current work VISA, and a New Zealand bank account is necessary. Full or part-time work could be available for a spouse or partner. Accommodation available: A range of accommodation is available to the successful candidate from modern house to shared accommodation.

**Location:** mid Canterbury **Employer:** The milk ranch Limited **Minimum Hours / Pay:** Minimum 30 hours per week / $27 - $31.00 per hour The milk ranch limited is seeking a motivated and reliable person to join our team as a Farm Assistant. This is an entry-level position, 6 months to 1 year experience is preferred. However, the right attitude and work ethic are essential. To be successful in this role, you must: - Have common sense and a strong work ethic - Be honest, motivated, and reliable - Communicate well and work positively with others - Enjoy working with animals and spending time outdoors - Be able to ride both two-wheel and four-wheel motorbikes **About the role:** We milk 400 cows through a 30 aside herringbone shed (acrs, automatic teatspray in shed and cows have allflex collars). The role involves assisting with a range of farm duties, including: **Milking and Shed Hygiene:** - Assist with efficient and hygienic milking procedures - Clean and maintain the milking plant and dairy equipment - Report faults or issues to senior staff **Animal Care:** - Assist with safe handling of livestock - Report any animal health or welfare concerns promptly **Feeding:** - Set up break fences and feed out as directed **Environmental Responsibilities:** - Assist with nutrient, effluent, and water management - Spot spray weeds in paddocks using a knapsack **Teamwork and Machinery:** - Be a cooperative team member - Operate farm vehicles safely and maintain them according to farm policies **Health and Safety:** - Follow all health and safety procedures - Be willing to participate in building a positive health, safety, and wellbeing culture on the farm **Important Conditions:** - No pets allowed on the farm - This is a drug-free and smoke-free workplace - You must have a clean criminal record – a police check will be carried out - Random drug testing is conducted as part of our farm’s Health and Safety Policy If you are eager to learn, enjoy working with animals, and want to be part of a supportive team, we would love to hear from you. **Farm Size (ha):** 120 **Peak Herd Size (cows):** 400 **Typical On-farm Staff:** 2.3 **Position Start Date:** 01/06/2026 **Accommodation available:** Yes, 3 bedroom shared **Hour Type:** week **Average Hours Per week:** 30 **Roster:** Single rotation - 6 Days on / 2 days Off **Remuneration paid by:** Hourly / Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Yearly

We are looking for a Dairy Farm assistant who wants to develop further their skills and knowledge on a well-set-up and high-performing farm. We currently have a team of 4 on farm, but we are looking to expand our team and add another team member to the farm for next season. The successful applicant will have had minimum 1 years Dairy farming experience already, and be looking for their next challenge. We are open to a drive-in employee. MUST BE ELIGIBLE TO WORK IN NZ - NOT ACCREDITED Must be able to pass a pre employment drug & alcohol test. Key Responsibilities - Assist with milking and maintain milk quality - Monitor animal health and assist with treatments - Support calving and calf rearing - Maintain cleanliness of the shed and farm facilities - Assist with feeding out and pasture management - Carry out general farm maintenance (e.g. fencing, water systems, weed control) - Follow farm health, safety, and animal welfare policies Key Requirements - Reliable, motivated, and willing to learn - Good teamwork and communication skills - Commitment to animal welfare and safe farm practices - Fit in and work well with our high performing team. (Sharemilker, 2IC, Herd Manager & Dairy Assistant) About our farm & facilities: - 64 bail rotary with Automatic Plant Wash, ACRs and Protrack. - Inshed feeding & a mineraliser. - Halter collars. - 268ha subdivided into three pivots, with 38 paddocks, central races & 1.1km longest walks, irrigated by three variable rate pivots with injection effluent.

**Calf Rearer – Methven, Canterbury** We are seeking two motivated calf rearers to join our team for the 2026 calving season, based less than 10 minutes from Methven and 20 minutes from Ashburton. We require two calf rearers who are able to share the workload and alternate days off. **About the Role:** - **Start Date:** Approx. 28 July 2026 - **End Date:** Approx. 15 October 2026 - **Roster:** Negotiable - **Renumeration:** Negotiable - **Hours:** Approx. 30 hours per week, depending on roster - **Farm:** Flat, easy-working terrain; 1030 cows calving over a 12-week period - **Accommodation:** Possible accommodation available, or can be a drive-in position **Key Duties:** - Tubing and feeding calves (milk and meal) - Tagging and preparing calves for transport - Daily health checks and treatments as required - Cleaning calf pens and maintaining hygienic feeding equipment - Accurate record keeping and attention to detail **About You:** - Previous calf rearing experience preferred (lead calf rearer ideal), but training can be provided for the right applicant - Good teamwork, communication, and reliability - High standards of hygiene and organisation - Must be based in New Zealand and hold a valid work visa if required - Must have your own transport