Contract Milker Jobs in Canterbury

A great opportunity has opened for a motivated and experienced Contract Milker to join a 340-cow dairy farm, just 10 minutes from Kaikoura. **The Role:** - Manage the day-to-day operations of the farm in a contract milking capacity. - Provide excellent stockmanship, including calf rearing and youngstock management. - Apply proven pasture management skills to maintain farm productivity. - Operate a 36 ASHB cowshed with cup removers and efficiently manage K-Line irrigation. - Maintain a high standard of work while demonstrating a positive, can-do attitude. **What’s on Offer:** - Two 3-bedroom houses available; school bus passes the gate. - Youngstock stay on farm, making experience with replacements essential. - Flexible contract arrangements, negotiable for the right candidate. If you take pride in your work, have strong all-round farming skills, and are ready to progress in the dairy industry, we’d love to hear from you. For enquiries or to apply, contact Hamish on 027 367 0668.

We are looking for a Contract Milker for our well established dairy farm at Seafield (15km east of Ashburton), Mid Canterbury. Applicants must have a passion for dairying, a proven track record of creating good systems for people management and it’s essential to have already had experience running large herds. The 420 hectare farm has recently introduced the use of Halters and milks 1800 Friesian/Friesian cross cows through an 80 bale rotary dairy. The shed features a Waikato milking plant, automatic backing gate, Protrack, in shed meal/grain feeding facilities (4 heads), automatic cup removers and an automatic teat sprayer. There is also an adjacent herringbone shed complete with hoof trimming facilities. Target production for 2026/27 season is 830,000 kg MS. The farm is fully irrigated via two centre pivots, three rotorainers and k-lines. There are quality calf rearing sheds, with calf milk pumped from the milking shed. Accommodation consists of a 4 bedroom villa, 3 bedroom villa, two 3-bedroom houses, two 2-bedroom houses and if required a 4 bedroom seasonal (calf rearers) accommodation. School bus service is available for both primary and secondary schooling. The adjoining cropping and support farm enables the dairy farm to be fully self-contained. You must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident to be eligible to apply for this role. Please email your letter of application and CV with 2 referees to us by Sunday 11th January 2025 to b.mcbain@farmside.co.nz. If you require any further information, please email us.

We are located at Blue Cliffs in South Canterbury. We require a contract milker for our 450 cow cross bred herd, commencing 1st June 26. 40 AS herringbone with cup removers and auto teat sprayer. Allflex collars. Kline irrigation Rolling contour. Cows wintered off. Farm Size (ha): 120 Peak Herd Size (cows): 450 Typical On-farm Staff: 3 Position Start Date: 01/06/2026 Accommodation available: 1x 2 bm house, 1 older 4 brm house Hour Type: negotiable Average Hours Per week: By negotiation Roster: By negotiation Remuneration paid by: Per KgMS Remuneration if Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits): By negotiation Remuneration if Per KgMS - Dollars per KgMS: By negotiation

The role has a high level of autonomy, working with off farm family owners, and will be supported with an independent consultant. The contract milker will be responsible for all areas of farm management, staff recruitment, animal welfare and feeding etc. Finances will be in conjunction with the owner. The contract will be required to work in conjunction with our partner farms for winter feed, grazing supplements etc. Heifers are grazed with an independent grazier. The cows have been high performing, 520+ kgMS/cow. Cowshed is an automated 40 bale rotary, designed for one person, one herd operation. Cow manager tags. Pivot and Solid set irrigated. The farm is well established. The farm program is based on achieving high per cow production at a moderate stocking rate. Farm is located half way between Methven and Ashburton. Contact sarah@mrb.co.nz with any questions or queries. Farm Size (ha) 136 Peak Herd Size (cows) 475 Typical On-farm Staff 2 + calf rearer + spring casual Position Start Date 01/06/2026 Accommodation available Accommodation Managers house – 4 bedroom/ 3 bedroom + office, 2 X Single persons accom. Hour Type negotiable Average Hours Per week by negotiation Roster By negotiation Remuneration paid by Per KgMS Remuneration if Per KgMS - Dollars per KgMS by negotiation

**Contract Milker – 2026/2027 Season** Location: Ealing - Mid Canterbury (Ashburton District, within 20 minutes of Ashburton, or Geraldine) Applications close: 30th December 2025 (applications reviewed as received) **About the Opportunity** An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced and motivated Contract Milker to lead the day-to-day operation on a well-resourced, high-performing dairy farm in the Ashburton district. The successful candidate will manage a modern, efficiently run farm with strong owner support and long-term stability. The 180-ha property (171 effective ha) currently milks approximately 720 cows through a 60-bale rotary shed equipped with Protrack, ACRs, in-shed feeding (both Blend and Barley). The unit features excellent infrastructure, including bunkers, implement sheds, and well-equipped calf-rearing facilities. Pivot irrigation and Fixed Grid with a reliable supply and a well-maintained lane system ensure operational efficiency. All effluent is simple and effective, being dispersed via pivot irrigators. The farm also operates CowManager cow wearables. **Milk Production:** 320,000 KgMS budget for 25-26 season (farm has been operated as part of a larger farm, previous production not applicable) **Accommodation:** Tidy, well-maintained homes located on-farm, including: - A spacious family home (3-bedroom plus office) - Two 3-bedroom homes **What We’re Looking For** We’re seeking a passionate, ambitious individual or couple who take genuine pride in their work, value high standards, and are capable of leading a capable, effective team. The ideal candidate will demonstrate: - Proven expertise in animal health, welfare, and pasture management - Strong people management, communication, and leadership skills - Strong financial acumen and understanding of reporting requirements - Financial capability to operate as a contract milker - Excellent understanding of compliance and regulatory requirements - Attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement - Ability to collaborate effectively with owners and the management team in a performance-driven environment - Practical, hands-on management approach Applicants must reside in New Zealand and have a minimum of three years’ relevant NZ dairy management or contract milking experience. Overseas applications will not be accepted. **What’s on Offer** - Competitive and negotiable contract milking agreement based on experience and performance - Supportive, progressive business committed to long-term success - Well-equipped, modern dairy operation and infrastructure - Strong community connection with access to multiple schooling options and outdoor recreation nearby **How to Apply** Please apply with a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, a current CV, and at least two references from previous or current employers. Applications will be assessed as they are received. Email: Rhys@alignfarms.co.nz **Farm Size (ha)** 180 **Peak Herd Size (cows)** 720 **Typical On-farm Staff** 3 **Position Start Date** 01/06/2026 **Accommodation available** Yes **Hour Type** negotiable **Average Hours Per week** 50 **Roster** By negotiation **Remuneration paid by** Per KgMS

**Contract milking role June 2026** **Location:** 15 km from Culverden Township, Canterbury **Position Overview** We are seeking a Contract Milker to join our family-owned and operated dairy business for the coming season. This role involves milking approximately 900 cows across a 274 ha irrigated platform, including responsibility for wintering of cows and adjustment/support land. Working closely with the farm owners, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of staff, cows, pasture, irrigation, and feeding systems, ensuring the smooth running of the farm while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and milk quality. **Key Responsibilities** - Managing herd health, reproduction, and overall animal husbandry for a 900-cow operation - Overseeing milking operations and maintaining shed hygiene and milk quality standards - Managing irrigation and ensuring appropriate wintering of cows - Conducting pasture walks and recording data using MINDA Land & Feed - Assisting with feed budgeting and maintaining accurate feed-on-hand records, including support/adjustment land - Employing, leading, and supervising 3 full-time staff and seasonal relief staff - Rostering staff and ensuring efficient daily operations - Preparing weekly farm reports and contributing to forward planning and decision-making **Skills and Experience Required** - Proven experience managing or assisting with large-scale dairy operations - Strong animal health and husbandry skills, including reproductive management - Sound knowledge of pasture management, irrigation, and feed allocation - Good understanding of milk quality standards and shed hygiene - Ability to accurately record data and use farm management systems such as MINDA - Experience leading staff and managing day-to-day farm operations - Self-motivated, reliable, well-organized, and proactive - Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively within a team **What We Offer** - Supportive, hands-on farm owners - Opportunities to grow farm management and leadership capabilities - A well-structured, well-managed dairy operation - Competitive remuneration **Location & Lifestyle** The farm is located 15 km from Culverden Township, approximately 100 km north of Christchurch and 35 km south of Hanmer Springs. Culverden offers a welcoming rural community with good amenities, an active local environment, and quality preschool and school options, making it ideal for families. **Eligibility Requirements** - Must be legally eligible to work in New Zealand - Full New Zealand driver’s licence required - Strong commitment to Health & Safety and environmental best practices - Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test - The successful applicant may be subject to random drug testing at the employer’s discretion **Recruitment Process** Interviews will be held on-farm. **Farm Size (ha)**: 274 **Peak Herd Size (cows)**: 900 **Typical On-farm Staff**: 3 **Position Start Date**: 01/06/2026 **Accommodation available**: Accommodation- modern 4 bedroom house with log fire, heat pump with school bus at gate **Hour Type**: negotiable **Average Hours Per week**: 45 **Roster**: By negotiation **Remuneration paid by**: By Negotiation

**CONTRACT MILKING OPPORTUNITY – WAITAKI PLAINS, NORTH OTAGO** Are you interested in Contract Milking on a large-scale, flat dairy farm on the Waitaki Plains? This opportunity involves managing two well-equipped sheds supported by reliable spray irrigation from the Lower Waitaki Irrigation Scheme. Our proven system has achieved a 5-year average of 818,000 kgMS, backed by an excellent DNA-tested crossbred herd (BW 200, PW 260). We farm 473 ha effective, with all MA cows wintered on-farm. Infrastructure includes: - 60-bail rotary shed with Protrack, ACRs, automatic teat sprayer, Ezy-Heat, and in-shed grain, PKE, and molasses feeding, fully rubber matted - 28-ASH herringbone shed with Protrack, ACRs, and in-shed feeding - 12 centre pivots, with K-lines covering the corners - Cow manager ear tags **Accommodation** - 1 x 4 bedroom house - 4 x 3 bedrooms houses - 1 x 2 bedroom - 2 x single bedroom self-contained units We are looking for someone committed to achieving high performance with pasture as the core driver, while also maintaining a positive, sustainable, and healthy work environment for themselves and their team. Must have great communication skills to run a team of 7.5 and 2 calf rearers over spring. **Location** - Papakaio Primary school 8 km away - Three high schools in Oamaru, 20 km away If this sounds like you, please submit a cover letter and current CV/resume with at least two referees. Applicants must be eligible to work long-term in New Zealand. Applicants will be notified by email if progressing to the next stage. For enquiries or further information, please contact: Email: cayuga.limited@gmail.com 021 183 6997

We are looking for a contract milker for the 26/27 season. The farm consists of a 112ha effective milking platform, milking through a 30 ashb shed with cup removers, auto drafting with Allflex gate and collars, and walk over teat spray. The farm is fully irrigated with 6 pivots and k-lines. Average production of 185,000kgMS. We are looking for someone who brings: • Proven reliability, honesty, and a strong work ethic. • Excellent general farm knowledge and practical skills. • Outstanding pasture management capabilities. • A strong focus on cow health and management. • Initiative and the ability to make sound decisions independently. • Effective communication skills and the ability to build productive relationships—with both the farm team and external professionals. • Exceptional standards of farm presentation, health & safety, and environmental requirements & policy. Accommodation provided - 2x 3 bedroom houses. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to work closely with an owner operator to achieve results that benefit both your business and theirs. We seek your application if you think this is the right opportunity for you to progress in your career and you have the above attributes to make you our ideal candidate. Please apply online with a cover letter, and detailed CV which includes at least 2 of your current or most recent employer referees. You must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident to be eligible to apply for this role.

We are seeking an experienced contract milker to manage our well-established family-owned dairy farm located 5 minutes from Rakaia in Mid Canterbury. Consideration may be given to farm managers with appropriate experience managing farms in Canterbury wishing to progress. The 190ha dairy platform, which is irrigated mainly by centre pivots, is part of the 380ha farm. It is well set up with a 60 bale rotary, acr, auto teat spray, Protract draft, & in shed feeding. Allflex collars simplify artificial breeding. Peak cow numbers are 775 to 800 with production targets over 400 000 kg MS. Grazing of young stock, growing winter feed and supplementary feeds are managed by the farm owner on the adjoining support block. Modern Accommodation includes a 4 bedroom home, a 3 bedroom home and 2 self-contained units. Ideally suited for a team of 4. Nearby Rakaia offers schooling, groceries, takeaways, and essential farm requirements and services, as well as many sports and recreation options. We are seeking candidates with; · Strong pasture management and animal husbandry expertise · Excellent people skills, team leadership, and recruitment experience. · Excellent communication and reporting skills · Literacy with Minda, Nait, Protrack and Allflex systems · Financial strength and acumen to fund a contract milking business · A minimum of motorbikes, calf rearing equipment, temporary fencing, and basic hand tools. · Pride, integrity, resilience and resourcefulness. · A minimum of a NZ residency visa and currently residing in New Zealand On Offer is; · A well-equipped modern dairy farm · Great location · Team environment and independent advice as required. · Competitive Contract agreement, negotiable relative to experience, and equipment provided. Please apply with covering letter, cv, and at least 2 referee’s from current and prior employers.

Hoggatin Farm is 750 cows through a 54 bail rotary shed with ACR's Farm, has a central lane. Higher input type system with a feed pad. 144ha effective, 10 minutes out of town. 2 pivots, 1 small roto rainer on a 5 day round plus sprinklers in the corners. Spring calving 750 cows. Production budget range is 370,000-400,000kgms. The farm owner supplies two tractors, mixer wagon and a JCB telehandler. The farm is a Synlait supply farm and Lead with Pride certified which needs to be maintained. The jobs also includes management of a 15ha support block which is across the road and where one of the staff houses is located. This would suit an applicant that has operated high input systems and has a passion for animal nutrition, has a high standard and likes driving efficiency. Farm Size (ha): 144 Peak Herd Size (cows): 750 Typical On-farm Staff: 3 Position Start Date: 01/06/2026 Accommodation available: 3 houses - 1X4bedroom, 2 bathroom - 1X3 bedroom, 2 bathroom - 1X2 bedroom, 1 bathroom Hour Type: season Average Hours Per week: 55 Roster: By negotiation Remuneration paid by: Per KgMS

We're on the hunt for our next contract milker for the 2026/2027 season due to our current contract milker progressing onto sharemilking. We are a short drive from the Ashburton township with school buses to the gate. We are a self-contained unit with half the farm in dairy support which we run and the dairy farm being the other half. The farm has been able to produce in previous seasons around 180,000kgms with room to move with an efficient operator. About 120HA is available for the dairy side of the farm but has movement if required. We have just upgraded to halter collars for this season so with our 40-bail automatic rotary shed this could easily be a 2.5 person farm. We are after someone who has proven success in past seasons. Who can communicate well as this we find is the basis for a good foundation. Contract milking experience isn't a must as this may suit someone wanting to take the next step after managing. More information will be provided to shortlist candidates Farm Size (ha): 120 Peak Herd Size (cows): 400 Typical On-farm Staff: 2.5-3 Position Start Date: 01/06/2026 Accommodation available: 1x 4 bedroom home 1x 3 bedroom home + sleepout Hour Type: negotiable Average Hours Per week: 45+ Roster: By negotiation Remuneration paid by: Per KgMS

**Job Description** 1,000 cows | 332 effective ha | Upwards of 365,000 KgMS | Canterbury Lead a high-performing dairy operation with Synlait Gold Plus standards. This dairy business is seeking an experienced and capable Contract Milker to take full responsibility for the daily operation of a well-run, high-performing farm near Ashburton. The opportunity suits a motivated operator seeking scale and a strong partnership with long-term owners. **Business Information** Operating for the previous 10 years under its current ownership alongside actively investing in long-term performance. The business is expanding its milking area by an additional 124 ha, transitioning the operation to a 1,000-cow farm next season with the potential to increase by another 200 cows the following season. The farm proudly supplies Synlait and holds Lead With Pride – Gold Plus accreditation, demonstrating excellence in sustainability, animal welfare, environmental care, compliance and team wellbeing. Performance is monitored through physical KPIs, financial results and benchmarking. The new Contract Milker will play a key role in maintaining high standards while driving improvement across the system. **What We're Looking For** - Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to develop a capable, motivated team. - Proven strength in pasture and herd management with sound observation and decision-making. - High attention to detail, tidy presentation, consistent routines and accurate record keeping. - Professionalism and values alignment, upholding the standards expected of a Synlait Gold Plus supplier. **Farm Information** - Milking platform: 208 ha effective - Additional land: 124ha recently added for expansion - Herd size: 1,000 crossbred cows - Production: 365,000 kgMS (from 760 cows) and increasing - Infrastructure includes: 54-bale rotary, well-maintained 3–4 bedroom homes, modern effluent and water systems and general-use sheds. **Apply Now** If you are an experienced Contract Milker who values good systems, high standards, strong communication and the opportunity to lead your own team, we’d love to hear from you.

🚀 Ready for your next challenge? We’re seeking a driven Contract Milker to join our team for the 2026/27 season. Opportunity to own your own stock while contract milking. Ability to grow your livestock numbers and equity at your own speed. Ability to progress from contact milking to share milking on the same farm? Do you want a farm owner that cares about your safety, your health, your family and your development? 📍 Location: Just 50 minutes from Christchurch and 25 minutes from Ashburton: 224 hectare 900 peak milking 40 bail herringbone 40ASHB that is fully irrigated with rotarainer, K-line and pivot. 🌱 About Us: Dairy Holdings Ltd operates over 60 dairy farms and over 20 support blocks that has been operating for over 20 years. We pride ourselves on our approach that is based around our people, our process, and our pasture, always with the health and safety of our people first and foremost. We aim to be an employer of choice, with excellent training and development opportunities and a clear career pathway to Management, Contract Milking and Share milking for the right people. 📋 Key Responsibilities: Full operational control on farm. 👤 Who We’re Looking For: You’ll thrive in this role if you: Put health and safety first. Have experience in pasture-based systems. Are committed to environmental and animal welfare standards. Possess strong people management and problem-solving skills. Bring a proactive, can-do attitude. 💼 What We Offer: Options for cow ownership. Our best people progress through our business often from contract milker to share milker and the most dedicated to farm ownership. On-farm housing available - 1 x 4 bedroom with double garage, 1 x 3 bedroom attached double garage, 1 x 3 bedroom with garage and 1 x 1 bedroom unit. All properties double glazed. 📝 Additional Requirements: Must pass pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and criminal background check. Apply now by sending your CV through at jobs@dairyholdings.co.nz.