Contract Milker Opportunity – Milton, South Otago

Contract Milker Opportunity – Milton, South Otago

An excellent opportunity is available for an experienced Contract Milker to take sole charge of a high-performing dairy operation near Milton, South Otago.

This is a well-established, tidy and centrally raced property with a strong history of production. The farm owners are looking for capable operators with proven pasture and herd management skills who are comfortable managing a large-scale dairy business and leading the farm team.

The Farm

• 327 ha effective milking platform
• Friesian/Crossbred herd
• 900 peak herd size
• Average production of approximately 445,000 kgMS over the past three seasons
• Pasture-based system with strategic supplementary feeding, supporting performance of around 500 kgMS/cow
• 60-bale DeLaval rotary dairy
• In-shed feeding, herd collars and automatic drafting
• Centrally raced and very well maintained
• Nearby support block used for silage and young stock
• A portion of the herd is wintered on-farm on fodder beet with the R2 stock, with approximately 450 mixed-age cows wintered off
• System 4

The farm owners have their own machinery and undertake the major contracting work on-farm, including baling and groundwork, meaning only basic farm equipment is required from the Contract Milker.

 A Supportive Contracting Opportunity

The owners will continue to manage calf rearing, allowing the Contract Milker to focus on the core dairy operation. There may also be an opportunity for additional paid hours assisting with calf rearing if this is of interest.

Staffing is based around 3 FTE plus the Contract Milker, providing a solid team structure for the operation.

Accommodation

Excellent accommodation options are available, with three well-maintained houses on-farm:

• 1 x four-bedroom home
• 2 x three-bedroom homes
• All with good heating

There is also an additional three-bedroom home in Milton, approximately 6 km from the farm.

We’re Looking For

Ideally, applicants will:

• Be experienced dairy operators, preferably with experience farming at scale
• Be confident taking sole charge of the farming operation and dealing directly with farm service providers
• Have exceptional pasture and herd management skills
• Have experience managing stock on fodder beet
• Have strong staff leadership and communication skills
• Demonstrate a strong health and safety culture
• Be comfortable working with technology
• Have experience with the DeLaval DelPro management platform, or be willing and capable of learning new systems
• Take pride in maintaining a high-performing, well-presented farming operation

The Opportunity

This role would suit an experienced Contract Milker looking for a well-supported operation with strong existing production, good infrastructure, modern technology and supportive owners.

With major machinery and contracting work provided by the owners, no calf-rearing responsibility, good accommodation and an established staffing structure, this is an attractive opportunity for operators wanting to concentrate on pasture management, herd performance and leading a successful farm team.

 How to Apply

• Please submit:
  • A covering letter outlining your relevant experience and explaining why you are a strong fit for this role
  • A current CV
  • Must Include the names and contact phone numbers of two recent referees who can attest to your farming experience
• Applications must be submitted via the QJumpers link --> Contract Milker Milton
• Please note:
  • Referees may be contacted prior to the shortlisting process.
  • Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
  • Applicants must hold New Zealand residency or a valid New Zealand work permit.

o    Applicants must be willing to undergo pre-employment and ongoing drug and alcohol testing.

• For a confidential discussion or to request further information, please contact:
  • Guy Michaels on 027 289 8750
•  For any assistance with your application please contact:
  • Amanda at AgFirst South  on 027 281 8823

Start Date 1/6/27