We are seeking a motivated assistant to join our farm team at Kowhai Downs.
Kowhai Downs is in the Maruia district, made up of a 400ha dairy farm, peak milking 860 cross bred cows, as well as 250ha of adjacent support land running 200 R1 and R2 replacement heifers. The dairy platform is flat, predominantly dryland, but with a 100ha brand new centre 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.
The farm milks through a 60-bale rotary shed, running a Read plant, with automatic cup removers and teat spray, plus a Pro-Trak drafting gate and in-shed feeding. Effluent is spread via a travelling irrigator during the shoulders of 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 incudes 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 farm owner lives on the farm, and assists where required with youngstock management, tractor work and repairs and maintenance. The owner is there to support as well as a farm advisor.
The home is 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom. 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 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!