Laura Duxbury

I have been 2IC on a 850 high-input farm for the last 2 and a bit seasons. Prior to that I was 2IC on a 490 cow farm, system 5 and all dry stock on farm. Looking for a 2IC or junior manage position starting in in June 2025. Previously I worked alongside the contract milker on a 460 cow farm in the Waikato and have also worked on a 1100 cow farm in Otago Experience in:

•  milking (rotary and herringbone, with and without ACRs)
• calculating breaks based on area and putting up/taking down temporary fencing
• feeding out (bale feeder and wagon, including feedpads)
• giving metabolics bags to down cows, lifting them when required
• spotting mastitis, lameness and other illnesses (in shed and also in paddock), treating cows and maintatining health records (on paper or electronically)
• calf-rearing * finding and fixing water leaks
• tractor work (including on some steep ground) - spraying, mowing, digging, feeding out, removing fencelines
• setting up, running and recording effluent irrigation (also basic repairs to pipes and irigator)
• drafting lame cows and lifting feet
• taking care of the farm alone when the boss is away and using my initiative to solve any unexpected issues that arise
• can drive 4 wheelers, 2 wheelers, tractors, side-by-sides, Ravs/utes (happier in manuals than automatics). Lots of experience on steep farms
• working with dry stock - shifting, drafting, drenching, etc, young stock, beefies and bulls
• happy using Protrack and Minda to organise herd (including creating groups to split herd by criteria, e.g. calving date etc)
• fencing maintenance and repairs, including putting up new fence lines and replacing batten fencing with powered
• training staff in a variety of farm work. Organising tasks and plans so that all staff members are able to work happily and effectively and have a chance to develop in new areas.

I don't currently have any agricultural qualifications but am incredibly keen to undertake some and widen my knowledge of a variety of aspects of farming. and the wider industry. I attended university and have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Systems Engineering I have a current First Aid Certificate A* and A grades in high school English, maths and science Strong mathematical background, good written skills.