The Opportunity
We have a rewarding opportunity for a top dairy operator to take responsibility for running our family-owned 1,100-cow dairy farm in the Darfield area, 40 minutes (45 km) west of Christchurch Airport.
With our current Contract Milker progressing to a sharemilking position, we are looking to form and grow a mutually beneficial relationship with a high-calibre individual ready for the next step in their dairy career.
The Person
The successful applicant will have excellent communication and leadership skills, and a proven track record in managing people, livestock, feed, and farm systems to consistently achieve high levels of production and profitability.
We are looking for someone with integrity, openness, attention to detail, and a strong sense of ownership, who operates to high standards, understands what drives performance, and embraces continuous improvement. We value people who care for their team, the land, and the animals, and who take pride in leaving things better than they found them.
The Farm
The majority Friesian-cross herd is milked through a centrally located 60-bale modern rotary featuring a Waikato milking plant and a range of labour-saving technologies, including SenseHub collars, PROTRACK, auto wash, automated backing gates, automatic cup removers, and in-shed grain/PKE/molasses feeding facilities.
The 320 ha milking platform was converted in 2018 to a high standard and is currently in its ninth season. The milking platform features high-quality dairy pastures and is predominantly pivot irrigated, with a small area of solid set sprinklers.
Target production for the 2027/28 season is 550,000 kg MS (500 kg MS/cow; 1,720 kg MS/ha). Historically the farm has been producing 490-520 kg MS/cow.
The dairy platform is supported by a neighbouring irrigated run-off block and an additional dryland hill block 20 minutes away, both of which are managed by the farm owners.
Accommodation
The Contract Milker’s accommodation is a large six-bedroom homestead that is well insulated and double glazed, set amongst mature trees and an established garden. Other housing includes a modern two-bedroom home and a one-bedroom cottage on-farm, plus a further two houses off-farm. School bus services are available for both primary and secondary schooling.
Partnership and Progression
Since converting Balgonie, we have been proud to see both of our Contract Milkers progress into equity and herd ownership opportunities. We look forward to supporting our next Contract Milker as they grow their skills, experience and capability for future progression, while helping drive the ongoing success of our family farming business.