We are looking for a new Farm Manager to join the team on our 50/50 Sharemilking farm. We have just re-signed for a further three years and are looking for someone who can keep developing the farm with us. We are also operating as Contract Milkers on a separate farm approx. 10 mins away.
The farm is located five minutes from Cambridge, 15 minutes Te Awamutu and 30 mins from Hamilton. With local primary and high schools, shops and entertainment close by.
The farm is 107ha effective milking platform and is operated under a high performing system 5 system. The farm has a high stocking rate, and pasture management is a key element of this role.
The farm has seen significant growth in milk production since 2024 when we bought the herd. Last season we achieved 224000kgs off 450 cows milked TAD through a 40 ASHB with ACR's & Easy Dairy drafting gate.
We operate a pasture plus Maize, PK & grass silage feed system, plus summer turnips. The farm has a feed pad, and the herd is split into two mobs and fed twice a day on the feedpad with the Keenan mixer wagon. The farm is completely flat with 30% Peat and the rest Clay/Loam, 58 paddocks in total.
The Friesian X herd has been DNA'd and has the smaXtec animal health bolus system, we use all AI LIC breeding and do four herd tests per season. We raise up to 150 replacements and all youngstock are grazed off farm from December.
The successful applicant would need to be able to start by mid-December 2026. You will be responsible for day-to-day management and must demonstrate experience and knowledge in the following disciplines, with at least four years of NZ Dairy Farming experience with one of those in management:
- Develop and organise staff in a way that creates a strong team environment
- Technical and practical skill in feed budgeting and allocation.
- Use technology such as smaXtec animal health alongside practical knowledge
- Stock management – Ability to create and implement SCC, Lameness, Heat detection and all related animal health plans for a progressive dairy herd.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Computer literacy and sound record keeping practices eg (Minda/Nait/smaXtec/Farm Medix)
- The operation and maintenance of machinery
- Capable of maintaining water system, fencing, races and general infrastructure.
- Well-developed time management practices.
- Health and Safety practices
- Effluent management and other compliance requirements of modern dairy farming
The successful applicant will be given the opportunity to have on-going training and support from the Sharemilker and Farm Consultant where required.
The role comes with a brick three-bedroom home with recently renovated bathroom, garage, and well-kept garden. The farm has one other house for the team.
Historically relief labour has also been easy to source due to the farm’s location but there may be some relief milking and/or calf rearing work available for a partner.
If this position appeals to you, please apply via email with a cover letter and CV with at least two current verbal referees or email any enquiries to: [email protected]
We are not accredited employers and will not be accepting applications from overseas or non-residents.
The process may require you to undertake pre-employment drug testing and we will undertake background checks.
Flat farm on the edge of Cambridge. Central race Feed pad for 220 cows 40 ASHB with acrs. Production target 220,000KgMs