We are seeking a motivated farm manager who is passionate about pasture dairy farming, animal welfare, team leadership and farm efficiency. This role is ideal for an experienced farm manager looking for change, or for someone ready to take the next step in their dairy career.
Kowhai Downs is Fonterra supplier in the Maruia Valley, made up of a 400ha dairy farm, peak milking 840 cross bred cows, as well as 250ha of adjacent support land running 180 R1 and R2 replacement heifers. The dairy platform is flat, predominantly dryland, but with a 100ha brand new center pivot currently being installed. The support land has 150ha of flat/rolling land, and 100ha of hills. There are currently 6 full time staff, plus manager on a 6-2 roster. The manager will play an important leadership role in coordinating the team, maintaining high standards of farm operations and ensuring the farm's goals are achieved.
The farm milks through a 54 bale rotary shed, running a Waikato plant, with automatic cup removers and teat spray, plus a Pro-Trak drafting , in-shed feeding and milk metres. Effluent is spread via a travelling irrigator throughout the season. The farm produces approximately 350,000kgMS per year, predominantly from pasture, with some in-shed feed and baleage, made on the platform and support block. Cows are currently wintered on pasture and baleage on farm.
The farm has recently implemented Halter, which includes virtual fencing, pasture measurements, and heat and health detection. The manager will be actively driving Halter, utilising it fully, to optimise pasture management, animal husbandry and time efficiencies.
The core responsibilities of the manager will include:
The farm owner lives on the farm most of the time and is there to support the manager, and you will also be supported by a farm advisor.
The manager's home is 7 years old, and is 3-bedroom, 1 bathroom, with a single garage. It is warm and dry, and located centrally on the farm.
Kowhai Downs is located 5 minutes from Springs Junction, 55 minutes from Murchison, 40 minutes from Reefton, 1.25 hours from Hanmer Springs, 2.5 hours from Christchurch and 2.5 hours from Nelson. Maruia school is 10 minutes away. This stunning area is a mecca for hunting, fishing and anything outdoors, with a tightknit supportive community
If you are interested in this role, please apply with a CV, and at least 2 references. We look forward to hearing from you!
Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits)