Farm Assistant – Dairy Farm
About the Role
We are looking for a reliable, motivated and capable Farm Assistant to join our dairy farming team in the Waikato.
We are a progressive dairy operation using Halter technology to assist with pasture management, stock movements and day-to-day herd management. The successful applicant will play an important role in working alongside the Halter system and ensuring the herd and farm continue to operate efficiently.
This position would suit someone with 2+ years of dairy farming experience who enjoys working with cows, takes pride in their work and is looking to be part of a well-run and forward-thinking farm.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with morning and afternoon milking
- Working with and monitoring the herd through the Halter system
- Managing virtual fencing and stock movements using Halter
- Monitoring cows and identifying animals requiring attention
- Assisting with calving, calf rearing and general animal care
- Animal health treatments and monitoring
- Heat detection and mating support
- Bringing cows to and from the shed safely
- Monitoring cow behaviour, grazing and pasture utilisation
- Break fencing and electric fence maintenance where required
- Water system checks and maintenance
- Feeding supplements including PKE and silage
- General pasture and farm maintenance
- Tractor, farm vehicle and machinery operation
- Weed control and spraying as required
- Dairy shed cleaning and maintenance
- Maintaining high standards of animal welfare, hygiene and farm presentation
- Following farm health and safety procedures
- Helping with seasonal tasks including calving, mating and dry-off
- General farm duties as required
Working With Halter
Halter is an important part of our farming system, so the successful applicant will be expected to become confident using the technology.
This will include:
- Monitoring the herd through the Halter app
- Understanding virtual fencing and grazing allocations
- Assisting with planned stock movements
- Monitoring alerts and cow behaviour
- Identifying cows that may require physical checking
- Using Halter information alongside practical stockmanship
- Reporting any issues or unusual animal behaviour to management
Previous Halter experience would be an advantage, but training will be provided for the right person.
What We Are Looking For
The ideal candidate will:
- Have 2+ years of dairy farming experience
- Have good practical stockmanship and a genuine interest in cows
- Be reliable, punctual and hardworking
- Be confident working around cattle
- Be comfortable using technology and willing to learn the Halter system
- Have good attention to detail
- Be able to work independently and as part of a team
- Have good communication skills
- Take pride in keeping the farm, shed and equipment tidy
- Have a strong focus on animal welfare
- Hold a current driver's licence
- Be confident operating tractors and farm machinery, or be willing to learn
What We Offer
- A progressive dairy farming environment using Halter technology
- A varied role across milking, stock management and general farm work
- Modern farming practices and equipment
- Support and training to develop your Halter and dairy farming skills
- Competitive remuneration based on experience
- On-farm accommodation may be available
- The opportunity to take responsibility and become an important part of the farm team
Hours & Availability
The role will involve normal dairy farming hours, including morning and afternoon milking, weekends and seasonal requirements.
Flexibility and reliability are particularly important during busy periods such as calving and mating.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced, reliable dairy farmer who enjoys working with cows and is interested in working with modern technology such as Halter, we would like to hear from you.
Please provide a brief summary of your dairy farming experience, relevant skills, availability and references when applying.