FARM MANAGER / CONTRACT MILKER – OAD DAIRY FARM
Experienced Dairy Operator Wanted – Southland
We are looking for an experienced Farm Manager / Contract Milker / Sharemilker-level dairy operator to take responsibility for the day-to-day management and performance of a progressive OAD dairy farm in Southland.
This is a hands-on management position for someone who understands that running a profitable dairy farm requires more than simply getting cows milked. We are looking for someone who can take ownership, make decisions, identify problems before they become problems, manage people and cows effectively, and drive production and profitability.
The successful applicant will have a strong background in dairy farming and ideally have experience as a Contract Milker, Sharemilker, 2IC or Farm Manager.
THE FARM
- Approximately 330 cows
- Approximately 150 ha dairy platform
- Once-a-day (OAD) milking system
- Southland location
- Pasture-based system
- Focus on efficient pasture utilisation and controlled supplementary feeding
- Strong emphasis on animal health, reproduction, production and cost control
- Progressive programme of pasture renewal and farm development
THE ROLE
As Farm Manager, you will have primary responsibility for the day-to-day operation and performance of the farm.
You will be expected to operate with a high level of independence and take ownership of the results of the business.
Your key responsibilities will include:
Herd Management
- Managing the 330-cow herd to a high standard
- Maintaining excellent animal health and welfare
- Monitoring body condition, lameness, mastitis and other animal-health issues
- Managing calving and the transition period
- Reproduction and mating management
- Identifying cows requiring attention and acting early
- Maintaining accurate animal-health and production records
Milking
- Running an efficient and well-organised OAD milking operation
- Maintaining high milk quality and hygiene standards
- Identifying and addressing milking issues
- Ensuring the dairy shed and plant are maintained to a high standard
Pasture & Feed Management
- Developing and implementing a practical grazing plan
- Maximising pasture utilisation
- Monitoring pasture covers and feed budgets
- Managing supplementary feed efficiently
- Planning ahead for periods of feed deficit
- Minimising wastage and controlling feed costs
Production
- Taking responsibility for achieving agreed production targets
- Monitoring milk production and milk-solids performance
- Understanding the relationship between pasture, supplements, cow condition and production
- Making practical decisions to maximise profitable milk production
Financial & Cost Management
- Working within agreed farm budgets
- Monitoring farm expenditure
- Managing production costs
- Controlling feed, fertiliser, animal-health and machinery costs
- Identifying opportunities to improve profitability
- Reporting regularly to the owner on farm performance and financial results
Staff Management
- Leading and managing farm staff
- Setting clear expectations
- Preparing and managing staff rosters
- Ensuring staff are productive and accountable
- Training and developing employees
- Maintaining a positive, professional farm culture
- Managing health and safety requirements
Farm Maintenance & Organisation
- Keeping the farm, dairy shed, machinery and infrastructure well maintained
- Planning maintenance before failures occur
- Managing contractors effectively
- Maintaining fences, water systems, races and farm infrastructure
- Keeping the farm presented to a high professional standard
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The ideal applicant will:
- Have substantial dairy farming experience
- Ideally have previous experience as a Contract Milker, Sharemilker, Farm Manager or experienced 2IC
- Have a proven ability to run a dairy operation independently
- Be confident making decisions without needing constant direction
- Understand pasture-based OAD dairy systems
- Have strong animal-health and herd-management skills
- Understand farm financials and production costs
- Be organised and forward-thinking
- Have excellent communication skills
- Be able to lead and motivate staff
- Be practical, reliable and hands-on
- Take pride in doing things properly
- Be proactive rather than reactive
- Have a strong work ethic and high standards
Most importantly:
We are looking for someone who takes ownership.
The successful person will not wait for the owner to identify every problem.
We want someone who sees an issue, understands it, develops a solution and gets on with fixing it.
You will be given the responsibility and authority to run the day-to-day operation of the farm, while working closely with the owner on overall strategy, budgets and major decisions.
WHAT WE OFFER
- A well-established OAD dairy operation
- A genuine management position with responsibility and autonomy
- Competitive remuneration based on experience and capability
- Accommodation available
- A professional and supportive working environment
- Opportunity to have a genuine influence on farm performance
- Clear expectations and performance targets
- Long-term opportunity for the right person
THIS ROLE WILL SUIT SOMEONE WHO:
Has progressed beyond simply being a good farm worker and is ready to take responsibility for the whole operation.
If you have previously been a Contract Milker, Sharemilker, Farm Manager or 2IC and are looking for a role where your experience, judgement and management ability are valued, we would like to hear from you.
Apply
Please send your CV and a brief covering letter outlining your dairy farming experience, previous management responsibilities and why you believe you are suited to an OAD management system.
Location: Southland
Herd: Approximately 330 cows
System: OAD
Position: Farm Manager / Contract Milker / Sharemilker-level Management