The Opportunity
We are seeking a motivated Contract Milker to take the reins of our 270-cow dairy operation. This is a System 4–5 farm focused on animal performance. This position features a 24-ASHB shed featuring cup removers, in-shed feeding,
The System
You will be operating a feeding regime consisting of a Maize, PKE, and DDG blend, supplemented by grass silage . Performance is tracked via weekly milk monitoring and direct reporting from our farm nutritionist, therefore requiring a contract milker who values data and can execute feed plans.
Key Responsibilities
• Stock Management: Full oversight of calving, mating, and high-standard animal husbandry to reduce incidents of mastitis and lameness and ensuring cows maintain an adequate body condition score.
• Feed & Pasture: Daily pasture allocation, setting rotation lengths, and managing supplements in alignment with owner and nutritionist guidance.
• Calf Rearing: Quality-focused rearing of replacement heifers.
• Machinery & Maintenance: Competent operation of tractors and implements for feeding out, and general farm tasks and maintenance
• Compliance: Adhering to effluent management requirements as a part of the farms consent, e.g. use of travelling irrigation. Maintenance and implementation of your own comprehensive Health & Safety plan.
Infrastructure & Facilities
• Dairy: 24-ASHB with cup removers and in-shed feeding.
• Housing: one tidy on-site house provided ( Note that this property is close to okato 20 minutes drive from New Plymouth township.
The Ideal Candidate
• Proven experience in a New Zealand Farming system
• Strong communication skills and a willingness to work alongside nutritionists and owners. - Owners do not live on this property. .
• A proactive approach to animal health and performance monitoring.
• Competent machinery operator with a practical knack for minor repairs and general maintenance
Contract Milker Assets & Equipment
The successful contract milker will be expected to supply their own operational plant and tools to the farm, including:
• Vehicles: Reliable farm motorbikes (2-wheel and/or 4-wheel) or a suitable farm vehicle (e.g., Toyota RAV4).
• Fencing Equipment: A complete set of fencing gear, including reels and standards for daily pasture management.
• Maintenance Tools: A comprehensive set of hand tools and power tools for minor repairs and general maintenance.
• Spreading Equipment: Their own mag spreader for mineral applications.
Farm Size (ha) 95 effective.
Contract details can be negotiated but the role will require 2 full time labour units, Great remuneration package offered for the successful applicant.
Applicants must be eligible to work and run a business in New Zealand, be drug free, and provide an up to date CV with references. Please apply in writing to [email protected]