Agriculture Jobs in Otago

Farm Assistant or Herd Manager role - 930 cows Our business is expanding and we are looking for a Farm Assistant or Herd Manager to join our existing team in Clydevale/Rongahere. This role will be on our 930 cow unit, which will run alongside the neighboring 300 cow farm we have just purchased. The successful applicant will be a key member of our team and, while focused on the 930 cow farm, you will occasionally assist across both units. We are hands-on and supportive employers, and this role would suit someone looking to step up and grow within a progressive dairy business. Farm System The 930 cow unit includes: - 60-bail rotary - Cup removers - Drafting and in-shed feeding The neighboring 300 cow farm features: - 36-bail rotary shed - Cup removers - Newly installed drafting and in-shed feeding system - CowManager monitoring Both farms operate with a strong focus on animal health, pasture management and production performance. We Are Looking For Someone Who Is: - Passionate about cow health, nutrition and production - Committed to meeting and exceeding farm targets - Proactive and forward thinking - A strong communicator who works well within a team - Keen to learn and utilise on-farm technology - Takes pride in maintaining high farm standards - Committed to following farm health and safety procedures and contributing to a safe working environment Requirements - Minimum 2 years dairy farming experience in New Zealand - Confident speaking and understanding conversational English - Ability to work independently and within a team - Full driver’s license (travel in farm vehicles to wintering blocks may be required) What We Offer - Supportive and hands-on employers - Opportunity to grow within an expanding dairy business - Competitive remuneration salary package (based on experience). - Part time seasonal work available for a partner if required. - Accommodation provided. School bus at the road corner with a great local school, kindy and community. Both positions include a 3 bedroom home as part of the package. Applicants must include a CV and references. References will be contacted if you progress through the recruitment process. Farm Size (ha) 350ha Peak Herd Size (cows) 930 Typical On-farm Staff 6 over both farms Position Start Date 01/07/2026 Accommodation available 3 bedroom home on farm Hour Type week Average Hours Per week 30-55 Roster Triple rotation - 7 Days on / 2 days Off - 7 Days on / 2 days Off - 7 Days on / 3 days Off Remuneration paid by Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits)

We are after a new farm assistant as our other is moving up to herd manager experience is welcomed but not required the right attitude is a must. We milk 840 cows through a 5 year old 54 bail rotary shed with auto cup removers, teat spray, drafting and wash. All flat ground 2 mins from Dunedin airport. Roster is 8 days on 4 days off all year.

We are seeking a Dairy Farm Assistant to join our team. Our farm is in North Otago, 25 minutes west of Oamaru. Our owner/operated farm emphasizes animal welfare, pasture management, and sustainable farming practices. Experience is preferred, but we value a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, honesty, and integrity above prior farming experience. Responsibilities: - Milking in a 40-aside herringbone shed equipped with an in-shed feed system - Feeding livestock and performing general stock care - Setting up break fencing - Calf rearing during the appropriate season - Effluent and shed hygiene management - Assisting with various seasonal tasks across the farm Comprehensive training and ongoing support will be provided, and we support off-farm education such as PrimaryITO. Ideal candidates will: - Be reliable, positive, honest, and open to learning new skills - Work effectively both independently (after training) and as part of a team - Be comfortable handling livestock - Hold a full or restricted NZ driver licence - Currently reside in New Zealand and/or possess a valid NZ work visa - Be able to provide two references, one being your current employer Please note a high level of English proficiency is required. We operate a zero-tolerance policy regarding drug use and don't allow smoking or vaping within homes, sheds, and vehicles. This position offers an excellent opportunity for individuals who are keen to start their dairy farming career, love working with animals and in the outdoors, and are eager to develop their skills within a supportive small team environment.

We are looking for a hard working and enthusiastic assistant manager to assist the manager in daily operations of the farm. About us and our farm… We our a couple who have in the dairy industry for the past 10 years, we share milk our beautiful 500 kiwi cross breed cows on a 190ha farm, through a 55 bail rotary shed, equipped with a Protrack drafting system, automatic teat sprayer, automatic cup removers, and auto wash system. We are also putting halter on for our next season which we are really excited about! We milk our cows OAD year round.(Cups on is 6am)We encourage a good work to life balance and care about our staff’s wellbeing. What where looking for… On our farm we run 3 staff( a herd manager, a assistant manager, and a manager) due to our current assistant manager who is leaving us at the end of the season to take on a management role we are looking at getting someone in to replace him, we are looking for someone who is… •Hard Working • Willing to learn and give everything a go • Has a good sense of humour • Someone who loves dairy farming • Has at least 2 years experience in dairy farming If this sounds like you, and your wanting to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you.

We are seeking an experienced farm worker (2+ years) to work as a Herd Manager on a 1000-cow operation in the Ranfurly area, milking through a 50 Rotary Bale shed. 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 management), - Fencing, weed control, - Calving, calf rearing, - Shed maintenance & preparation, - Tractor operation for feeding out, baling, mowing and silage monitoring, - Recording and maintaining animal health, - 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 11 days on, 3 days off. Salary is between $80,000 - $88,000 per annum, subject to experience. 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 - Have a full driver licence as you'll need to go between farm and runoff 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’re looking for a motivated Milk Harvester / Farm Assistant to join our team for the 2026/2027 season, with the potential to start earlier for the right person. This role has become available due to an exciting technological change on farm with the adoption of Halter, and we’re keen to find someone who’s ready to embrace the future of dairy farming. About the Farm: - 560-cow dairy farm - Located 8 minutes north of Milton - Producing high-quality milk with a strong focus on performance and efficiency - Halter system now being integrated into daily operations The Role: The core focus of this role is milking, however there will be additional work available beyond milking, particularly during the spring period, where extra support will be essential. We’re looking for someone who takes pride in their work and wants to be part of a team aiming to break records and ensure the farm produces the best quality milk day in and day out. We run a 7,2,72,7,3 roster. What We’re Looking For: You will ideally be someone who: - Has experience milking (or a strong willingness to learn) - Is keen to embrace Halter use on farm - Has a strong teamwork attitude - Understands the importance of health and safety - Values animal welfare and stockmanship - Has a positive mindset and strong work ethic Accommodation Options: We can offer either: - On-farm accommodation in a 1-bedroom studio, or - A drive-in position for someone living nearby Important Note: We are not an accredited employer, so applicants must already have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Start Date: This is primarily for the 2026/2027 season, but an earlier start is possible for the right candidate. If you’re ready to be part of a forward-thinking dairy operation and want to work on a farm pushing for top performance, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now with your CV and a brief introduction.

We have available a full time OAD dairy farming position in a 40 aside herringbone. The right applicant must be able to Calve cows, Treat Mastits and lame cows. Tractor driving experience as well as mowing and feeding out. Fencing experience and all day to day running of a farm. We would like someone with a partner that can do casual relief milking and calf rearing. Please call Rachelle on 0211741418 if your interested. Farm Size (ha): 315 Peak Herd Size (cows): 1000 Typical On-farm Staff: 3-4 Accommodation available: 3 bedroom house Hour Type: negotiable Average Hours Per week: 50 Roster: By negotiation Remuneration paid by: By Negotiation

Due to our current farm manager wanting to have a change in his farming role, and our current 2ic getting another Managers role for next season, we are on the lookout for a motivated person who is keen to take the next step in the Dairy Industry. We are after a well rounded person that is after a dairy farm managers position in North Otago. We milk 1100 cows and have a split calving of 900 spring, and 200 autumn calvers. We milk all year and have acquired a feed pad to do this. We will winter cows on farm and we have an adjacent runoff where we run all our young stock. We have a 320ha platform that is irrigated via spray irrigation (Pivots, Fixed Grid, Kline). Cows are milked through a 60 bail Waikato Rotary cowshed. Its equipped with cup removers, Protrack and inshed feeding. We have used Allflex collars on our cows for 9 seasons and are looking into other options of wearables currently. The successful applicant would run the day to day management of the dairy platform. Cows, Grass, feeding, people and harvesting the milk in an efficient way. We would offer support through the farm owner and current manager working alongside the applicant to find their feet and to learn our system. We have an existing team of capable and good humans, and we like to foster a fun and safe work environment for our team that makes our farm an enjoyable place to work. Farm Size (ha): 320 Peak Herd Size (cows): 1100 Typical On-farm Staff: 5 Position Start Date: 01/06/2026 Accommodation available: Different options depending on applicant. We have a tidy 3 bedroom home on farm with wood fire and heat pump. Hour Type: week Average Hours Per week: 65 Roster: Triple rotation - 7 Days on / 2 days Off - 7 Days on / 2 days Off - 8 Days on / 2 days Off Remuneration paid by: By Negotiation

Due to our current Farm management people heading to new opportunities, we are looking for a capable person with experience in the dairy industry to help manage our 1100 cow Dairy Farm at Ngapara North Otago. This position would involve running the day to day system on the dairy farm, grass, cows, staff. 900 cows calved in spring and 200 in autumn. Milk all year round. Strengths needed for this role is a good understanding of pasture management, animal husbandry, staff management, irrigation and an ability to problem solve. A great attitude and good communication is also a must. The role would allow the opportunity for growth and development of your skills, while enhancing the skills you already have. We use a lot of technology to run farm, so need the applicant to have the skills to use it (Allflex collars, Protrack, irrigation technology etc). Opportunity for someone wanting to take the next step into management to be overseen by old manager that knows the farm system. Possibility of changing collars to Halter. Farm Size (ha): 320 Peak Herd Size (cows): 1100 Typical On-farm Staff: 5 Accommodation available: Different options depending on applicant. We have a tidy 3-bedroom home on farm with wood fire and heat pump. Hour Type: week Average Hours Per week: 65 Roster: Triple rotation - 7 Days on / 2 days Off - 7 Days on / 2 days Off - 8 Days on / 2 days Off Remuneration paid by: By Negotiation

We are experienced sharemilkers running a modern 1,500 Cow Dairy Farm in Awamoko, North Otago with a new 80 bale rotary - along with neighboring runoff, and we’re looking for an experienced General Farm Hand to join our team. This is a role for someone who wants variety, responsibility, and potential long term development within the industry. About the Role - Negotiable roster - Balanced workload across tractor driving, stock work, irrigation, milking (if desired), and general farm work - Efficient team of long serving, experienced dairy staff - Dairy platform is pivot-irrigated with underslung effluent, fixed grid in corners - Runoff is a mixture of K-line and dryland. - Housing available You will Ideally Have - Tractor driving experience - Pride in your work and care for animals and equipment - A positive team attitude and good communication - Reliability and able to work both in a team and independently Requirements - Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test - Zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol on farm - NZ Residency is essential - CV and genuine references required If you’re keen to learn more about this position, we’d love to hear from you! Please apply via Farmsource jobs or email CV to cricklewoodfarming@gmail.com

**Job Description** **Feed Production Management** • Assist with any feed planning or the management of as appropriate. • Assist to manage weeds and pests to maintain pasture and crops. • Milking • Maintain all appropriate effluent management records. • Know what to do when things go wrong. **Animals** • Implement animal health program to maintain good health. • Assist with calving and the calf rearing program to achieve minimal losses and ensure high quality replacements are available for the herd. • Assist to manage repairs and maintenance schedule for all plant, machinery and infrastructure. • Ensure all relevant company policies are understood and adhered to. Experience/qualification is an advantage but not essential. • Dedication, commitment and willing to learn are the traits we are looking for.

We are seeking someone to help in the day-to-day work on a flat to rolling dairy farm in North Otago milking 800 cows peak through a 43 a side herringbone shed with new in shed feeding and drafting. The cows have wearables. The farm has 4 pivots and pop-up sprinklers so no irrigation to move. The successful applicant will have at least one to two years' experience dairy farming, be trustworthy and a good team player that can show some initiative. Roles will include but are not limited to milk harvesting, getting cows in, fences, weed spraying, some tractor work, calf rearing and other general farm duties. We really like our staff to learn and up skill so training or courses we would help with. Successful applicants must have a full driver's license and be able to pass a pre-employment drug test. Warm two-bedroom Portacom house available. Roster is 7 days on 2 days off, 3 days on 2 days off. There is options for a partner or wife to also work on farm. Must be able to work in New Zealand or have a current Work Visa. Pay is negotiable based on experience.

We have short-term work available from mid-February until dry-off (around the end of May, but this date is flexible depending on the person). Our current farm assistant is moving home to the UK, so we’re looking for someone to fill the gap. However, we’ve already lined up someone for next season, so unfortunately, there won’t be ongoing work available. We milk 625 cows using our modern 60-bale rotary milking system at Waipahi, South Otago. Responsibilities include milking, getting cows in, putting up temporary fences, weed spraying and grubbing, and other general farm work. While experience isn’t essential, we prefer someone with some farming knowledge. We’ll provide on-the-job training and offer a fun and supportive workplace. A strong work ethic and a sense of humour are a must. Accommodation is available: a two-bedroom house shared with our other farm assistant and a small, well-behaved dog. Please only apply if you’re able to share accommodation. This role would be ideal for a backpacker or someone looking to earn some money before embarking on a new adventure. Given the high volume of applications we typically receive, we’ll only be contacting those we’d like to interview. You must be able to pass a drug test and police check if required.

We have three positions available for Dairy Farm Assistants on a 650-cow farm in the Otway area, milking through a 40-aside Herringbone shed. Experience is preferred but not required for this role. You'll have a range of duties to keep you busy, interested and developing including: - Milking twice a day - Shifting cows and feeding - Fencing, weed control - Calving, calf rearing - Shed cleaning and setup - Identifying and alerting managers to sick cows - Setting fences - And other general farm duties. Weekly hours are a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 40. 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 12 days on, 2 days off for the rest of the year. Wage is up to $23.50 per hour subject to experience. Candidates 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).

**Job Description** **Feed Production Management** • Assist with any feed planning or the management of as appropriate. • Assist to manage weeds and pests to maintain pasture and crops. • Milking • Maintain all appropriate effluent management records. • Know what to do when things go wrong. **Animals** • Implement animal health program to maintain good health. • Assist with calving and the calf rearing program to achieve minimal losses and ensure high quality replacements are available for the herd. • Assist to manage repairs and maintenance schedule for all plant, machinery and infrastructure. • Ensure all relevant company policies are understood and adhered to. Experience/qualification is an advantage but not essential. • Dedication, commitment and willing to learn are the traits we are looking for. **Farm Size (ha)**: 278 **Peak Herd Size (cows)**: 870 **Typical On-farm Staff**: 3 **Accommodation available**: SHARED ACCOMMODATION **Average Hours Per week**: 40 **Roster**: Triple rotation - 7 Days on / 2 days Off - 7 Days on / 2 days Off - 7 Days on / 3 days Off **Remuneration paid by**: By Negotiation

**Dairy Farm Instructor - Ara Poutama / Department of Corrections** Lead a dairy team, grow skills, Change lives! We’re looking for an experienced Dairy Farmer to run our award‑winning 135ha, 360‑cow operation, producing approx. 130,000 kgMS annually. This role combines hands‑on farm leadership with meaningful mahi that supports reintegration and skill‑building for the tāne in our care. **Mō te Tūnga | About the role** - Oversee all daily dairy operations. - Lead, coach, and develop staff and participants. - Manage training & industry qualifications. - Build strong commercial relationships. - Monday–Friday, 5am–6pm (seasonal flexibility required) - Occasional public holiday work and essential callouts **Mōu | About you** - Strong farming background & proven dairy management experience - Excellent animal husbandry - Confident leadership & communication skills - Ability to work in Te Ao Māori environments. - Respect for diverse cultures and backgrounds. - Clean full NZ driver licence - Must live in NZ and hold a valid NZ work visa. - Training/education experience a bonus. All applicants must pass criminal history, medical, physical & drug testing. **Utu ā-tau | Salary** $79,500 – $93,210 (based on experience) To Apply: Submit your CV & Cover Letter using the link below or via our careers site. Email applications will not be accepted. Applications close: Wednesday 4 February 2026

To take responsibility for the day to day management of a 440 cow dairy heart in Heriot West Otago. Working in partnership with the Farm manager. Modern 30 aside herringbone shed with cup removers, drafting and feeding. Two Hurd homes and a runoff 2km away. Desired skills include: Pasture Management, AI experience / technician, Calf rearing, Overall cattle health management skills, Managing & maintaining dairy plant to meet compliance standards, Milk Harvesting, Farm Machinery operation. 5+ years of experience. A formal qualification is not necessary but is of advantage. Farm Size (ha) 157 Peak Herd Size (cows) 440 Typical On-farm Staff 2 to 3 Position Start Date 09/02/2026 Accommodation available Yes a warm 3 bedroom house on farm Hour Type week Average Hours Per week 40 to 60. Flexible depending on commitments. Min of 55 available, roster is flexible. Roster Single rotation - 11 Days on / 3 days Off Remuneration paid by Hourly / Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Yearly Remuneration if Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits) Plus, holiday pay, Kiwi saver

**Job Description** **Feed Production Management** • Assist with any feed planning or the management of as appropriate. • Assist to manage weeds and pests to maintain pasture and crops. **Milking** • Ensure the effective operation of all aspects of the milking process, including plant hygiene and somatic cell count, to maintain grade free standards. **Effluent** • Operate and maintain the effluent system on your farm to all regional council compliance requirements and the employer’s additional standards. • Maintain all appropriate effluent management records. • Know what to do when things go wrong. **Animals** • Implement animal health program to maintain good health. • Assist with calving and the calf rearing program to achieve minimal losses and ensure high quality replacements are available for the herd. • Ensure all herd records are maintained. **Business** • Work with the Dairy Farm Manager to contribute to Farm Business Plan. • Assist to manage repairs and maintenance schedule for all plant, machinery and infrastructure. • Ensure all relevant company policies are understood and adhered to. • A minimum of at least 24 months New Zealand Dairy Farming Experience required. • Dedication, commitment and willing to learn are the traits we are looking for. **Farm Size (ha)**: 230 **Peak Herd Size (cows)**: 800 **Typical On-farm Staff**: 4 FULL TIME, 4 RELIEF MILKER **Accommodation available**: SHARED ACCOMMODATION **Average Hours Per week**: 47.5 **Roster**: Single rotation - 14 Days on / 2 days Off **Remuneration paid by**: By Negotiation

This position has the potential to move into a Contract Milking opportunity for the right person. We are a family owned and operated farm in Kelso, the heart of West Otago. We are looking for someone that has at least 5 years experience in the industry, must be able to live and work in New Zealand, have a current drivers licence and is passionate about agriculture and dairy farming. You would be joining a thriving dairy farm in a beautiful spot, on the edge of the Pomahaka river, only 10 mins to Tapanui, 25mins to Gore and 2 hours to Dunedin, or Queenstown. We milk through a 54 bale rotary shed with ACR's, and Smart Wash. We have 2 support blocks nearby. Key Responsibilities would include: - Oversee the day to day running of the dairy farm, ensuring optimal animal welfare and farm productivity. - Manage the herd, implementing best practices in milking and nutrition. - Excellent leadership and communication skills. - Supporting staff You will need to have a strong understanding of dairy herd management, animal husbandry and experience in using farm machinery. We milk all year round - milking 250 cows over June/July Calving 150 in February, 100 in May and 600 in July/August Our wintering barn holds 750 cows, with an extension happening next season. This position may suit a couple, with work available for a partner. If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, please get in touch.

**Job Description** **Feed Production Management** • Assist with any feed planning or the management of as appropriate. • Assist to manage weeds and pests to maintain pasture and crops. • Milking • Maintain all appropriate effluent management records. • Know what to do when things go wrong. **Animals** • Implement animal health program to maintain good health. • Assist with calving and the calf rearing program to achieve minimal losses and ensure high quality replacements are available for the herd. • Assist to manage repairs and maintenance schedule for all plant, machinery and infrastructure. • Ensure all relevant company policies are understood and adhered to. Experience/qualification is an advantage but not essential. • Dedication, commitment and willing to learn are the traits we are looking for. **Farm Size (ha)** 278 **Peak Herd Size (cows)** 870 **Typical On-farm Staff** 3 **Position Start Date** 15/02/2026 **Accommodation available** SHARED ACCOMMODATION **Hour Type** week **Average Hours Per week** 40 **Roster** Triple rotation - 7 Days on / 2 days Off - 7 Days on / 2 days Off - 7 Days on / 3 days Off **Remuneration paid by** By Negotiation