We are seeking an Herd Manager to join our dairy operation for the 2026/27 season.
Location: Hinds, Mid Canterbury (approx. 20 minutes from Ashburton)
Effective milking platform: 126 ha
Peak herd size: ~500 cows
Milking shed: 36-aside herringbone with automatic cup removers and automatic teat spray
Milking and day-to-day shed management
Animal health management including:
Lameness detection and treatment
Assisting with difficult calvings
Identifying and treating mastitis
Drafting and managing cows for culling or trading
Pasture management:
Conducting regular farm walks
Setting up and managing break fences
Monitoring pasture quality and post-grazing residuals
Tractor and machinery work:
Feeding out
Mowing
Fertiliser spreading
Record keeping and compliance
Staff management:
Organising daily tasks
Ensuring work is completed efficiently and safely
Good remuneration based on experience
On-farm accommodation available:
3-bedroom houses on the property
On-the-job training and development
Rosters:
6 days on / 1 day off during calving
5 days on / 2 days off for the remainder of the season
No pets allowed
Non-smokers only, as this is a food-producing environment
Our dairy farm is located in Hinds, Mid Canterbury, covering an effective area of 126 hectares on flat, well-developed land. The farm is operated under a pasture-based system with a strong focus on efficient pasture utilisation, animal welfare, and milk quality.
From the 2026/27 season, the farm will be managed under a contract milking arrangement, with an emphasis on sustainable production, sound feed management, and meeting all Fonterra quality and compliance standards. The operation is committed to continuous improvement, efficient use of resources, and producing high-quality milk in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.