farm manager. system 1. 520 jersey cows . Te Aroha

We’re looking for a skilled, well-organised Farm Manager to run our 520-cow Jersey operation on 160 ha. We run a System 1, all-grass farm with a clear focus on high pasture utilisation, low cost and high profit. If you love growing and harvesting grass well, and you take pride in healthy, well-cared-for stock, this could be the job for you.

About the farm

• We’re currently owner-operators and would like to step back we live on the farm and help out during busy periods
• 520 Jersey cows on 160 ha, System 1 (all grass, no bought-in feed )
• Heifers milked once-a-day from the start of calving; whole herd on OAD from Christmas
• All culls gone in January
• 72-bail rotary shed with ACRs and auto drafter
• CowManager for heat detection and herd health monitoring

Key responsibilities

• Applying sound pasture management principles to maximise grass growth and utilisation
• Weekly farm walks with the platemeter and accurate pasture cover records
• Strict adherence to the spring rotation planner
• Preparing and updating feed budgets, and making timely decisions on surpluses and deficits
• High standards of animal husbandry and herd health across the season
• Calf rearing, from bringing calves in through to weaning
• Organising daily work and seasonal priorities so the farm runs smoothly

About you

• Must be able to strictly adhere to our System 1 farming system
• Able to work harmoniously in a team environment
• Top animal husbandry skills and a genuine commitment to stock welfare
• Proven calf-rearing experience
• Strong understanding of pasture management and grazing principles
• Confident with a platemeter and interpreting pasture cover data
• Disciplined in following the rotation planner and feed budget
• Highly organised, reliable and a good communicator
• Comfortable using technology such as CowManager, ACRs and auto drafting
• Previous experience in a similar role
• Legally entitled to work in New Zealand

What we offer

• Competitive salary
• Comfortable 3-bedroom house provided
• Negotiable roster
• Flexible start date: start now or next season
• A simple, efficient, well-set-up farm with modern shed technology, and hands-on owners who value good grass management and will lend a hand when it’s busy