Herd Manager

O'Neill's Fine Farms LtdHerd ManagerKiwitea, Manawatu-Whanganui8mo ago
**HERD MANAGER POSITION — STARTING 26 JANUARY 2026** We are looking for a driven and passionate Herd Manager to join our team from 26th January 2026. This role has become available due to a current team member relocating back to their hometown. Our ideal applicant is someone committed to their dairy career with 3+ seasons’ experience and a strong willingness to continue learning and developing. **About the Farm** - 550 split-calving Friesians - 44-bale rotary with ACRs, auto teat spray, and modern tech - 230ha operation with maize/kale crops - All young stock reared on-farm - Located in Kiwitea, 20 minutes north of Feilding and 30 minutes from Palmerston North (Manawatū) **Our Team** - 2 full-time staff + Contract Milker. - Relief staff as needed during calving and leave periods - Supportive, fun team culture with a strong focus on work/life balance - Current roster: 4:1 / 6:3 (may vary during calving) **Accommodation** - Warm, comfortable 2-bedroom home - Fireplace, large living area - Up to Healthy Homes standards **About Us** We are contract milkers and a young family who value and encourage off-farm time. We’re active in Young Farmers and enjoy being part of the local community. **Skills & Attributes We Need** - Strong and effective communicator within a team environment - Ability to work as part of a team - Confident operating 2-wheeler, quad, tractor, and feed wagon - Uses initiative when planning and completing daily tasks - Takes pride in shed and equipment cleanliness - Confident identifying animal health issues and treating under guidance - Knowledge and experience with calving, including assisting cows and recognising complications (under guidance if needed) - Calm, patient stock handling with high animal-welfare standards - Bonus: experience treating lameness (training available) **Salary & Benefits** $70,000–$75,000 total remuneration package, including: - Housing - Wet-weather gear - Phone/data allowance **Additional Information** - A pre-employment drug test may be required; drug use is not tolerated - Applicants must be currently in New Zealand - We are not an accredited employer, so you must hold a relevant NZ work visa If you’d like to learn more about us, check out our Instagram: @theeudderfarmers **Farm Size (ha)**: 230 **Peak Herd Size (cows)**: 550 **Typical On-farm Staff**: 2 **Position Start Date**: 26/01/2026 **Accommodation available**: 2 Bedroom House **Hour Type**: week **Average Hours Per week**: 50-55 **Roster**: Double rotation - 6 Days on / 3 days Off - 4 Days on / 1 day Off **Remuneration paid by**: By Negotiation

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