We’re looking for a capable herd manager to join our 50 50 sharemilking operation milking around 650 cows. This is a hands-on role with real responsibility within a well-run system.
The role would suit someone who genuinely enjoys dairy farming and wants responsibility rather than just being given a list of jobs.
We run a modern well-presented farm with a great 54 bail rotary with ACR's and protrack. We have herd home wintering barns which our mixed age cows winter in and a support block 10min away where the youngstock are kept.
We will be in our 2nd season with Halter, so yes, no fences or following cows! And as such, we have a very high emphasis on pasture management. This is a fantastic opportunity to upskill at that.
This will be our 10th season sharemilking the property, it's a great farm with supportive farm owners. We have pasture first approach, with in shed feeding to fill the gaps. We focus on doing the basics well, and are always looking for small improvements to get the little 1% gains wherever we can. We have a small team and expect everyone to pull their weight and take pride in their work. Because the workplace is so efficient you will often be doing tasks on your own, so some self-direction or initiative is important.
We're around 15-20 Min from Invercargill, see here:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Waimatua+Southland
Managing day to day herd health and identifying issues early
Running efficient milkings and maintaining high shed standards
Feed allocation and supporting pasture management
Operating tractor and feeding out using a mixer wagon
Operating and help maintaining machinery
Assisting with calving mating and general farm work
Keeping accurate records and following systems properly
Minimum 2 years NEW ZEALAND dairy farming experience
Good practical skills and strong stock sense
Confident tractor operator with feedout experience preferred
Attention to detail picks up issues early
Reliable and able to work unsupervised
Keen to learn improve and take ownership of the role
Competitive pay based on experience
Supportive team and straightforward systems
Well run operation focused on doing the basics right
Opportunity to take on more responsibility over time
We run a high standard operation and focus on doing the small things well. If you take pride in your work notice the little details and are always looking to improve you will do well here.
You must be living in New Zealand, I am not accredited.
We run a 50/50 sharemilking business 15min's outside of Invercargill. Our farm is well subdivided with very good infrastructure and a centrally located 54 bail rotary cowshed.
Our farm owners have a support block 10min's away where silage is sourced from and youngstock are grazed including wintering.
We have 2 herd home barns to winter 450-490 cows in. This off paddock facility will allow us a lot of flexibility with extending lactation, increasing feed utilisation and preventing pasture damage.
On farm we are big believers of technology to help us be the best we can be and to drive efficiency. We have halter collars which allow us virtual fencing amongst other features. The shed has protrack, automatic cup removers and in shed feeding. We believe we have all the tools in place to really push what is possible for the farm and are very excited about what the future has in store.
We have been on the property for 9 seasons, I'd like to think I know it well but still constantly learning and evolving. I would describe myself as a very progressive farmer, i am open to new ideas and am always looking for a better way to do things.
Staffing has fluctuated between 3 and 4 full time equivalents over the years, I think 3.5 is about right, with the 0.5 being a milk harvesting role/relief. We have one 2 bedroom house on farm for staff, it is very warm with a heat pump and uniquely has 2 ensuite bathrooms. We also have a 3 bedroom plus office large house suitable for larger families.
Our herd is a well-established herd of crossbred cows, we are trying to breed a very efficient cow who has good longevity and can produced her weight in milk solids. Per cow production sits around 510ms with a 520ms target for next season.
Our vision is to cultivate efficiency to drive sustainability-in our environment and in our people. We work smart so our team can thrive, our farm can flourish, and our future stay bright.