Farm Manager – Murchison, Tasman (June 2027)
We are seeking an experienced farm manager with a proven track record to join our team for the start of the 2027/28 season.
Fern Flat is located 15mins drive from Murchison, in the Top of the South. The farm consists of a 250 ha dairy platform with a further 20 ha of support land. Fern Flat nestles between the Buller River and the Kahurangi National Park, is well established and is made up of a mix of river flats and higher terraces.
We are currently milking 600 crossbred cows on a system 2 operation targeting 250,00 kgms. Average production over the previous 3 seasons has been 260,000 kgMS from 650 cows.
Infrastructure currently consists of a 44 aside herringbone shed with in-shed feeding and ACRs. The farm has 200 ha of K-line irrigation.
The owners plan to future proof the farm with investment in a new rotary cowshed, feed pad and wintering barn over the coming years.
We are looking for an experienced individual capable of managing all aspects of the farming operation. The owner’s involvement will be restricted to farm development and assistance during busy periods such as mating, cultivation etc. As manager you will be responsible for the supervision of 3 fulltime staff, all living on farm.
We are looking for a team player who is a good communicator capable of getting the best out of the well-resourced team. They should have a strong background in grazing management and animal husbandry and all aspects of milk production. The manager will be expected to conduct regular team meetings and complete all necessary reporting in a timely fashion with the required attention to detail.
Fern Flat is a stunning property. We are looking for somebody who loves being on the land and who will take great pride in their environment to ensure the farm is always well presented and maintained to a high standard. Quality and staff satisfaction is equally important to the owners as bottom-line profit.
The successful candidate shall be a progressive, tech focussed individual willing to embrace new technologies as they are adopted on the farm (Halter, Smaxtec, Resolution etc.) to improve operational efficiency and optimise pasture management, production, heard health and mating.
A very competitive renumeration package is on offer which will be commensurate with the successful applicant’s experience, quality and skill set. The farm is sufficiently staffed to offer everyone very reasonable work rosters. Part-time work will be available for the managers partner, calve rearing, relief milking etc. if applicable.
Accommodation consists of a warm, freshly renovated 3-bedroom house, complete with farm office/sleepout and a 3 bay pole shed garage.
Interested applicants should get in touch via the Farm Source website and include a current CV and a Cover Letter detailing why they should be considered, and at least 2 supporting references.
Applicants must be currently based in New Zealand and hold valid work rights. Overseas applications outside of NZ will not be considered.