Agriculture Jobs in Waikato

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 needing an assistant manager for our new farming role between Te Awamutu and Otorohanga. The farm is 195 hectares, 590 Jersey cows, A2 milk. The farm is rolling to steep terrain with a strong focus on managing the grass with the cows. The cowshed is a 44 aside herringbone with ACRs on the back 20 sets and meal feeding. Good staff room. The owners have been on farm for 30 years and it has grown over time, with two underpasses and good farm races. We are taking on the farm as contract milkers with high targets, with the tools and skill set to achieve. We need a competent Assistant manager to work with us, with the same ambition for farm success. Applicant needs to be proficient in all matters of dairy farming, including but not limited to: - Milking cows in a herringbone cowshed, good with numbers. - Identifying, preventing and treating mastitis, lameness, milk fever, and typical dairy cow ailments in New Zealand dairy farming systems. Safe handling, fetching and following skills. - Good at identifying calved and calving cows, and identifying on-heat cows for mating. - Calf handling and management. - Measuring grass with a plate meter, accurately setting up temporary fences on rolling terrain. - Safe movement and setup of effluent spreading equipment, travelling irrigator. - Maintenance of stock water, repair of water pipes and ballcocks. - Operation of tractors, feed wagon feeding out maize and grass silage, operation of bale feeder on rolling terrain. - Competency on motorbikes both 2 and 4-wheelers, towing trailers and spreaders. - Health and safety active, helmet wearing, PPE and safety conscious. - Ability and prepared to teach skills to assistants and relief staff. - Ability to run the farm in absence of employer. - Strong communication skills. We have taken on a second job and are still managing the farm we have been on for 5 years. We are moving to the new job (this one) and need a strong 2IC to work with us and be able to focus on this farm and allows us time to still oversee the other one. We have a manager for that farm but we will need to still cover their time off. Basically needing to have the skills to run the farm if we are not there, with the support and systems to be able to. There is the potential for relief work for a partner. Please only apply if you are in New Zealand, have experience in New Zealand, can work in New Zealand without needing an accredited employer for immigration, and are results focused. Fair package. Farm Size (ha): 195 Peak Herd Size (cows): 600 Typical On-farm Staff: 3 Position Start Date: 01/06/2026 Accommodation available: 3 bedroom brick house with fireplace Hour Type: season Average Hours Per week: 60 Roster: Single rotation - 11 Days on / 3 days Off Remuneration paid by: Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits)

Grasslands operate dairy farms approximately 20 minutes drive from the Tokoroa township. The farms comprise of 1000 cows and we have a casual relief milking position to cover staff leave etc. The farms have large modern milking facilities with 80 bail rotary platforms and are well equipped for the number of cows milked in them. Farm Size (ha): 350 Peak Herd Size (cows): 1000 Typical On-farm Staff: 5 Position Start Date: 16/02/2026 Accommodation available: There is no accommodation provided as this is a drive in position. If you are interested we would love to hear from you and discuss this further. Please contact Jodee on 027 325 3562 or send an email with your experience to jodee@grasslands.org.nz Hour Type: negotiable Roster: By negotiation Remuneration paid by: By Negotiation

This role primarily involves helping in all aspects in running a farm milking 370 cows through two 17 aside herringbone cowsheds. The farm is run as a two herd system with each herd being milked through its own shed. The farm is located in Whitikahu, 15 minutes from Morrinsville and 20 from Hamilton. Accommodation is a recently renovated 3 bedroom farm cottage with a single garage. We Seek Someone: With At least 3 years experience. A solid base in Animal Health and Stock Handling skills. Who is comfortable milking sole-charge. The ability to take responsibility in the Sharemilkers absence. Applicants need to be in New Zealand to be considered. Please provide a CV and references though the link Below. Farm Size (ha) 141 Peak Herd Size (cows) 390 Typical On-farm Staff 2.5 Position Start Date 01/06/2026 Accommodation available 3 bedroom cottage Hour Type week Average Hours Per week 50 Roster Single rotation - 11 Days on / 3 days Off Remuneration paid by Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits)

We seek an experienced 2IC or current Farm Manager to join our team in Whakamaru on 1 June 2026. You must have a minimum of five years of New Zealand dairy farming experience, and be able to provide at least two recent employment references. As the farm owners live on the farm, this vacant role has flexibility - it could suit a 2IC or a trainee Manager or an established Farm Manager. The salary package will reflect this and also includes a nice 3 bedroom house, and a roster of 5 days on and two days off (Fridays and Saturdays) right through the season. Our farm has 700 Friesian X cows through a 50 ASHB shed with ACRs and in-shed feeding, auto teat spray and Protrack. Spring calving, system 3, usually TAD until Feb then OAD until mid-May. We foster a supportive work environment and provide opportunities for you to gain new skills and keep climbing the career ladder. We look forward to hearing from you.

Do you want to work 5 days a week and live just 10 minutes from the Hamilton suburb of Rototuna in a supportive, professional environment with a desire to develop people. Milking 520 cows at Gordonton, we will achieve over 250,000 kg milksolids this season from our friendly girls who rank in the top 2% on BW. Our target for next season is to reach 260,000 kg milksolids, while achieving a 10% empty rate. Excellent pasture management, aided by the Aimer app, and a healthy well fed herd are important to us, as is sharing our knowledge with people wanting to grow. We seek a person already based in NZ to work alongside us to achieve our goals. The key duties of the role are centred on caring for our herd and pastures, being: - Assisting with milking and other tasks - Accurately setting break fences - Assisting with calves during spring - Responsibility for accurate application of effluent You might be the person to fill our role if you: - are based in NZ and passionate about learning from an experienced and respected team - value integrity - have a patient, calm manner with animals - want to do a job right the first time

We have an exciting opportunity for a farm assistant/trainee herd manager to join our team. The farm is located in the great community of Te Pahu less than 10 minutes from Pirongia and also close to Hamilton, Te Awamutu and Raglan. We run a System 3 farm with 300 cows milked through a 36ASHB with in-shed feeding and ACR's. This position would suit someone who already has some basic farming experience and is looking to gain the knowledge and experience to take the next step in their farming career. Quality training will be provided in all aspects of farming including animal health, pasture management, farm machinery operation and fencing with introduction to feed budgets and MINDA if desired. This position could also suit someone new to the industry if they are highly motivated and keen to give all aspects of farming a go. The current owner has managed multiple farms previously up to 1000 cows of varying input levels and is keen to pass knowledge on and help people progress through the industry. We are enthusiastic about people gaining and improving industry skills and fully support off-farm training such as AGITO and attendance at local discussion groups and training days. The ideal applicant will have a positive can-do attitude and a high standard of work. We offer a competitive remuneration package including wet weather gear, gumboots, firewood and phone allowance. The roster will vary depending on the time of the season but a healthy work/life balance is considered a priority and regular time off is scheduled. The roster is negotiable to best suit the needs of the employee. To apply please send in your C.V. and a cover letter. Applicants must be currently in New Zealand with a current NZ work visa - we can not offer an accredited work visa (applications which do not meet these criteria will not be considered). The successful applicant will be required to participate in a drug test on appointment.

We are looking for a super star calf rearer to join our team for the 2026 spring calving season. We calve down 750 cows in spring and you will be solely responsible for the calves once they enter the calf sheds. This includes 150 replacements, 50 Bull calves and the rest are bobbies. Previous experience with large scale calf rearing is preferred as this is a full on role with a few steps involved within the replacements. This role can then move into relief milking and casual work from November until the end of season as we do winter calve as well, so there would be the opportunity to do autumn calf rearing plus the milkings over summer to cover for staff annual leave etc. Farm Size (ha): 210 Peak Herd Size (cows): 900 Typical On-farm Staff: 4 Position Start Date: 13/07/2026 Accommodation available: Yes, single person only accommodation Hour Type: week Average Hours Per week: Negotiable Roster: By negotiation Remuneration paid by: By Negotiation

One of our team is progressing to a more senior role after 6 years with us, so we have an opportunity for someone wanting to join a supportive team with a good history of staff retention. Milking 520 cows at Gordonton, we will achieve over 250,000 kg milksolids this season from our friendly girls who rank in the top 2% on BW. Our target for next season is to reach 260,000 kg milksolids, while achieving a 10% empty rate. Excellent pasture management, aided by the Aimer app, and a healthy well fed herd are important to us, as is sharing our knowledge with people wanting to grow. We seek people already based in NZ to work alongside us to achieve our goals. The key responsibilities of the role are: 1. Manage supplement quality and utilization so that we can achieve our goal of 500 kg MS/cow. 2. Manage animal health treatments. 3. Maintenance of our plant and equipment. 4. Assist in managing pasture to maximise quality and pasture eaten. You might be the person to fill the empty boots if you are: - someone with 2+ years experience in NZ wanting to learn from experienced and respected operators, although recent career changers may be considered. - a self motivated individual who pays attention to detail. - an individual with good stockmanship.

We are looking for Herd Manager for upcoming season starting from June 2026. We need at least someone who has minimum 2 years experience in the Dairy industry New Zealand. Application from overseas will not be considered and eligible person should have valid working rights in New Zealand. We are located In Tahuna near Morrinsville. Key responsibilities:- - Managing pasture and grazing rotations. - Daily Farm operations and Animal care. - Assisting with mating and herd reproduction. - Milking and monitoring cow health. - Plant wash and shed hygiene. - Operating and maintaining farm machinery such as Tractors, Feed out Wagon etc. If you are passionate about Dairy Farming and looking for your next step, we would like to hear from you.

We are family owned dairy farm near Morrinsville, Waikato, looking for a motivated and reliable person to join our team as an assistant manager (2IC). This role involves working closely with the owner to ensure the smooth running of our 280-cow operation. All relevant key responsibilities apply of running a dairy farm efficiently & productively. We will offer a competitive salary/remuneration package based on experience and other incentives may be included in due course. On site accommodation is available as a part of the package. It is a supportive, family oriented work environment.

Five Horizons is a sheep dairy farm in Mercer. We milk 1200 ewes and rear 450 replacement lambs. We also have cattle on farm that we finish. We supply Spring Sheep and this will be our fourth season. Our flock size is stable but the industry is still growing so there is opportunity for growth in the future. We have two experienced full time staff members and we are looking for an experienced farm assistant to join our team. The primary task is milking twice a day (roster varying depending on season), feeding out with silage wagon, animal health tasks in the yard, shifting stock etc. The pay rate is dependent on skill level and will be reviewed every 12 months. We are ideally located halfway between Hamilton and Auckland with our closest main centre being Pukekohe. There is a Woolworths supermarket 10 minutes away in Pokeno. There are two primary schools within a 10 minute drive (Te Paina and Mangatawhiri), and several high schools within a 30 minute drive (Tuakau, Pukekohe, Hauraki Plains). Our roster varies depending on the season: Lambing (July-Sept): 6 days on, 1 day off Summer/Autumn (October-April): 8 days on, three days off, 8 days on, 2 days off) Winter (May-July): 5 days on, 2 days off, with occasional weekend hours rostered on. Our ideal candidate will be: - Fit and injury free - Prepared to start work at 5:30am, and sometimes finish at 5:30pm (with breaks) - Comfortable with the roster - Hard working and willing to learn with a good attitude - Have already had experience on a dairy farm in NZ, ideally with tractor skills. - Be currently in NZ and eligible to work. - A good attitude towards health and safety - Experience safely operating farm vehicles eg quad bike, side by side - Available to start work no later than July 10 (lambing will start around July 27). If you tick all of these boxes, and can provide a written and/or verbal reference to support your CV, then we would like to hear from you.

We are sharemilkers on a 730-cow, 300ha farm. We are looking for 2 farm assistants to help with the day-to-day running of our business. We are looking for reliable, hard-working staff who can work in a team or independently. Duties include: - Milking cows, feeding and general animal care, cleaning sheds and equipment, and assisting in day-to-day tasks. Requirements: - Good work ethic, positive attitude, ability to work early mornings and weekends. Previous experience is helpful but not required. Farm Size (ha): 254 Peak Herd Size (cows): 730 Typical On-farm Staff: 4 Position Start Date: 01/06/2026 Accommodation available: 2 houses available Hour Type: week Average Hours Per week: 50 Roster: Single rotation - 11 Days on / 3 days Off Remuneration paid by: Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits) Remuneration if Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits): $85,000

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Calf Rearer to join our team from July to November. This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in exceptional animal care. Farm Details: - Calving 800 cows - Rearing 220 dairy replacements - Rearing 230 beef calves - Automated calf-rearing system in operation Key Responsibilities: - Manage colostrum to the highest standard - Tube calves as required - Train calves to use automated feeders - Maintain exceptional animal husbandry practices - Administer animal health treatments as required - Be able to navigate the calf feeder computer system to identify faults, trends and any other functionality - Keep up-to-date records - Maintain high hygiene standards in all calf sheds - Operate a side-by-side vehicle safely Applicants must have: - A minimum of work experience running an automated calf rearing system for a whole season - Strong experience working with newborn calves, including adequate high-quality colostrum intake from birth Skills and Attributes: - Able to work independently and as part of a team - An excellent communicator - Physically fit - Reliable, motivated and proactive - Detail-oriented with strong observational skills - Drug-free, pre-employment drug testing will be completed Farm Size (ha): 340 Peak Herd Size (cows): 800 Accommodation available: One bedroom studio unit accommodation is available Average Hours Per week: 40 hours Roster: Single rotation - 7 Days on / 2 days Off

Start date flexible between 1 June to 20 July. We seek a Farm Assistant or Milk Harvester to join our friendly team in Whakamaru. Farming experience is preferred but other outdoor skills are valued too. This job is at least 30 hours work per week. Wednesdays and Thursdays off. It will consist mostly of milking and cleaning at cowshed. When the cows are dry, the work is mostly weed spraying and other farm maintenance. We have 700 Friesian X cows through a 50 aside herringbone shed with inshed feeding, protrack, ACRs and auto teat spray. Spring calving. Supportive farm owners who live and work on the farm. Opportunities for you to gain new skills and attend agricultural classes if you wish. Farm Size (ha) 300 Peak Herd Size (cows) 700 Typical On-farm Staff 5 Position Start Date 01/06/2026 Accommodation available Small, warm three-bedroom house with heat pump and new carpet. It is getting a new kitchen in the first week of June. Rent will be $320 per week. Hour Type week Average Hours Per week 30 Roster Single rotation - 5 Days on / 2 days Off Remuneration paid by Hourly / Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Yearly

Looking for the right person to promote a new farming App. Need to understand cows, feeding & pasture. The App is simple and easy to sell. Training with good support provided. Work any hours you like. Commission based. Must be currently based in New Zealand connected to the NZ Farming Community. Email expression of interest to info@agribusiness.kiwi

480 cows rolling farm allflex collars and gate 50 bale rotary 5 mins from Otorohanga. This is a drive-in position as there is no house on farm. Farm Size (ha): 180 Peak Herd Size (cows): 480 Typical On-farm Staff: 3 Position Start Date: 01/07/2026 Accommodation available: no Hour Type: negotiable Average Hours Per week: 50 Roster: Single rotation - 11 Days on / 3 days Off Remuneration paid by: Hourly / Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Yearly

We are looking for a motivated 2ic to step into a new and exciting role on a 480 cow dairy farm. The farm is rolling, organised with good feed input feed pad mixer wagon. The farm provides a great opportunity with a variety of work, allflex collars and gate. 50 bale rotary cow shed 5 minutes from Otorohanga. Farm Size (ha): 180 Peak Herd Size (cows): 480 Typical On-farm Staff: 3 Accommodation available: 3 bed 1 bath farm cottage in good condition with shed Hour Type: negotiable Average Hours Per week: 50 Roster: Single rotation - 11 Days on / 3 days Off

Role readvertised due to change in circumstances of candidate. One of our Drystock Managers has made the decision to go dairy farming so we are looking for a Dairy Support Manager who will support the Dairy Manager, covering time off for the dairy team as well as work alongside the other Drystock Manager. The role includes; - Regular cover for the dairy team during calving & mating (mid July to mid November) - Milking 580 cows at peak through a 36ashb - Getting in cows and calves - Feeding out silage and maize (no feed pad) - Putting up and taking down break fences - Diagnosing and treating animal health issues including mastitis and lameness - Reactive and planned maintenance Drystock management (all dairy youngstock, carry over cows, rearing and finishing beef) - Feeding out silage - Putting up and taking down break fences (all mobs get daily breaks) - Drenching and vaccinating stock - Reactive and planned maintenance - Diagnosing and treating animal health issues in a timely manner The ideal candidate will; - Have a minimum of three years milking cows and diagnosing and treating health issues in dairy cattle - Be physically fit and able to walk up and down hills putting up break fences for drystock - Be confident on a two wheeler (use of quad bikes on drystock not permitted) - Be able to confidently operate a tractor with implements - Be able to identify and fix water leaks and power shorts - Be self motivated and able to work alone as well as be part of a team - Be willing to change the day's plan when something pops up that needs urgent attention, either on the drystock unit or the dairy unit - Demonstrate empathy for cows and calves - Be confident working in the yards with large cattle (steers and bulls) - Be able to accurately calculate pasture cover and area to ensure all animals are adequately fed every day The farm is in zone for Korakonui School (years 0-8). There is a bus at the corner 4km away for Korakonui School, Te Awamutu Intermediate and Te Awamutu College. Dogs are not required for this role and are not allowed on farm. We also have a strict no children on farm policy for health and safety reasons. Please include a CV and cover letter with your application and three recent references. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Farm Size (ha): 180 Peak Herd Size (cows): 580 Typical On-farm Staff: 3 Position Start Date: 01/06/2026 Accommodation available: Three bedroom or four bedroom house available depending on family situation Hour Type: week Average Hours Per week: 45 Roster: By negotiation Remuneration paid by: By Negotiation