Farm Assistant Jobs

**Location:** mid Canterbury **Employer:** The milk ranch Limited **Minimum Hours / Pay:** Minimum 30 hours per week / $27 - $31.00 per hour The milk ranch limited is seeking a motivated and reliable person to join our team as a Farm Assistant. This is an entry-level position, 6 months to 1 year experience is preferred. However, the right attitude and work ethic are essential. To be successful in this role, you must: - Have common sense and a strong work ethic - Be honest, motivated, and reliable - Communicate well and work positively with others - Enjoy working with animals and spending time outdoors - Be able to ride both two-wheel and four-wheel motorbikes **About the role:** We milk 400 cows through a 30 aside herringbone shed (acrs, automatic teatspray in shed and cows have allflex collars). The role involves assisting with a range of farm duties, including: **Milking and Shed Hygiene:** - Assist with efficient and hygienic milking procedures - Clean and maintain the milking plant and dairy equipment - Report faults or issues to senior staff **Animal Care:** - Assist with safe handling of livestock - Report any animal health or welfare concerns promptly **Feeding:** - Set up break fences and feed out as directed **Environmental Responsibilities:** - Assist with nutrient, effluent, and water management - Spot spray weeds in paddocks using a knapsack **Teamwork and Machinery:** - Be a cooperative team member - Operate farm vehicles safely and maintain them according to farm policies **Health and Safety:** - Follow all health and safety procedures - Be willing to participate in building a positive health, safety, and wellbeing culture on the farm **Important Conditions:** - No pets allowed on the farm - This is a drug-free and smoke-free workplace - You must have a clean criminal record – a police check will be carried out - Random drug testing is conducted as part of our farm’s Health and Safety Policy If you are eager to learn, enjoy working with animals, and want to be part of a supportive team, we would love to hear from you. **Farm Size (ha):** 120 **Peak Herd Size (cows):** 400 **Typical On-farm Staff:** 2.3 **Position Start Date:** 01/06/2026 **Accommodation available:** Yes, 3 bedroom shared **Hour Type:** week **Average Hours Per week:** 30 **Roster:** Single rotation - 6 Days on / 2 days Off **Remuneration paid by:** Hourly / Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Yearly

We require an honest and reliable person to assist with all manner of farming tasks on our family dairy farm located at Edendale, Southland. Milking 480 cows through 40 a side Herringbone shed. Applicant would need to be punctual, reliable with a genuine enthusiasm for working with livestock, machinery and the outdoors. Experience is preferred but not essential but a "can do", hardworking attitude is. Could suit a hardworking beginner, migrant worker or a couple. Opportunity for calf rearing available. Position open to NZ residents and those with eligible visas. Not looking to sponsor visas. Farm Size (ha): 160 Peak Herd Size (cows): 480 Typical On-farm Staff: 3 Accommodation available: Solid, recently renovated two bedroom house available on farm. Heated with heat pumps. Located next to Edendale, school buses nearby. Good location, 20mins to Gore, 30mins to Invercargill. Average Hours Per week: 55 Roster: Single rotation - 10 Days on / 3 days Off

WE ARE NOT ACCREDITATED EMPLOYERS Our beautiful family owned and run farm is located just 2 mins from Oxford, 25 mins from Rangiora and only 40 mins to the centre of Christchurch, it is in an ideal location for those who want to live in the country but still like to be close to town. We are now in need of an enthusiastic farm assistant for next season. This is a newly created role, but our vision is to bring someone on board who may have a couple of months experience under their belt but is extremely serious about growing a career in the dairy industry. We are the type of people who are only too happy to impart our knowledge onto the next generation of dairy farmers. However, in return we do expect the person that works with us to take the role seriously. Dairy farming is not for the faint hearted as we have early starts and can have quite long days (especially during calving), so to be successful you must have a very strong work ethic, you must be reliable, honest, trustworthy and most importantly have a bright personality and a positive can-do attitude. Milking our 250 cows through a 22 aside Herringbone shed, if you have some milking experience, it will be a bonus, you must also be willing to learn to care for our cows, so being an animal lover is also a positive. There is a lovely modern one-bedroom cottage available on farm but do prefer no pets. We are looking to pay $24.00 per hour plus $200 a week accommodation. A safe and healthy work environment is also on offer; we are drug and smoke free. Farm Size (ha) 95 Peak Herd Size (cows) 250 Typical On-farm Staff 3 Position Start Date 01/06/2026 Accommodation available Modern 1 bedroom cottage $200 per week – Pref no pets. Hour Type week Average Hours Per week 50 Roster By negotiation Remuneration paid by Hourly / Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Yearly Remuneration if Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits) Neg.

We are after a new farm assistant as our other is moving up to herd manager experience is welcomed but not required the right attitude is a must. We milk 840 cows through a 5 year old 54 bail rotary shed with auto cup removers, teat spray, drafting and wash. All flat ground 2 mins from Dunedin airport. Roster is 8 days on 4 days off all year.

We are looking for a Dairy Farm assistant who wants to develop further their skills and knowledge on a well-set-up and high-performing farm. We currently have a team of 4 on farm, but we are looking to expand our team and add another team member to the farm for next season. The successful applicant will have had minimum 1 years Dairy farming experience already, and be looking for their next challenge. We are open to a drive-in employee. MUST BE ELIGIBLE TO WORK IN NZ - NOT ACCREDITED Must be able to pass a pre employment drug & alcohol test. Key Responsibilities - Assist with milking and maintain milk quality - Monitor animal health and assist with treatments - Support calving and calf rearing - Maintain cleanliness of the shed and farm facilities - Assist with feeding out and pasture management - Carry out general farm maintenance (e.g. fencing, water systems, weed control) - Follow farm health, safety, and animal welfare policies Key Requirements - Reliable, motivated, and willing to learn - Good teamwork and communication skills - Commitment to animal welfare and safe farm practices - Fit in and work well with our high performing team. (Sharemilker, 2IC, Herd Manager & Dairy Assistant) About our farm & facilities: - 64 bail rotary with Automatic Plant Wash, ACRs and Protrack. - Inshed feeding & a mineraliser. - Halter collars. - 268ha subdivided into three pivots, with 38 paddocks, central races & 1.1km longest walks, irrigated by three variable rate pivots with injection effluent.

At Grasslands, we are about growing great people, caring for our animals, and running high-performing farms in a way that is sustainable, safe, and rewarding. We are currently looking for a motivated and positive Dairy Farm Assistant to join our Otapiri team and be part of a supportive, forward-thinking operation. This role offers the opportunity to work with a 900-cow herd on a well-resourced farm where animal welfare, technology, and team culture are genuinely valued. **The role** You will be involved in the day-to-day running of the farm, including: - Milking and animal health monitoring - Assisting with calving, calf rearing, and mating - Break fencing and allocating cows to paddocks - Maintaining high standards of stock care and welfare - Weed spraying and general farm maintenance - Working collaboratively with the team to achieve daily and seasonal goals **Our farm** Located in Otapiri, just 13 minutes from Winton and 40 minutes from Invercargill, the farm is equipped to support both people and animals, including: - 60-bail rotary dairy shed with modern technology upgrades - ACRs and in-bail teat spray - Manual drafting - In-shed feeding system - Effluent applied via pads Our systems are designed to promote efficient workdays, flexible conditions where possible, and excellent animal welfare outcomes. **What we are looking for** We are looking for someone who: - Is honest, reliable, and a strong team player - Takes pride in animal care and farm presentation - Wants to learn, grow, and contribute positively to the team - Has a clear criminal record **What we offer** - Shared on-farm accommodation included in your package, up to Healthy Homes standard - A supportive team environment where you’re valued and listened to - Clear opportunities for long-term career progression - Training and development for those who aspire to progress in their career If you are looking for more than just a job and want to build a future in dairying with an organisation that invests in its people, we would love to hear from you.

We are seeking a Dairy Farm Assistant to join our team. Our farm is in North Otago, 25 minutes west of Oamaru. Our owner/operated farm emphasizes animal welfare, pasture management, and sustainable farming practices. Experience is preferred, but we value a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, honesty, and integrity above prior farming experience. Responsibilities: - Milking in a 40-aside herringbone shed equipped with an in-shed feed system - Feeding livestock and performing general stock care - Setting up break fencing - Calf rearing during the appropriate season - Effluent and shed hygiene management - Assisting with various seasonal tasks across the farm Comprehensive training and ongoing support will be provided, and we support off-farm education such as PrimaryITO. Ideal candidates will: - Be reliable, positive, honest, and open to learning new skills - Work effectively both independently (after training) and as part of a team - Be comfortable handling livestock - Hold a full or restricted NZ driver licence - Currently reside in New Zealand and/or possess a valid NZ work visa - Be able to provide two references, one being your current employer Please note a high level of English proficiency is required. We operate a zero-tolerance policy regarding drug use and don't allow smoking or vaping within homes, sheds, and vehicles. This position offers an excellent opportunity for individuals who are keen to start their dairy farming career, love working with animals and in the outdoors, and are eager to develop their skills within a supportive small team environment.

We are looking for a person for a full time position to carry out general farm work due to a restructure of roles on our dairy farm. Duties would include milking in a rotary shed, feeding calves and young stock at nearby runoff and a range of other farm work and maintenance jobs. Weekends on, milking only outside of calving period. Some experience preferred, 15 minutes south of Palmerston North. Must have driver's license and be currently living in New Zealand as we are not accredited employers for overseas immigrants. No dogs permitted. Farm Size (ha): 110 Peak Herd Size (cows): 380 Typical On-farm Staff: 2 -3 Position Start Date: 02/06/2026 Accommodation available: Well maintained house on farm with garage Hour Type: negotiable Average Hours Per week: variable up to 50 Roster: Single rotation - 12 Days on / 2 days Off Remuneration paid by: By Negotiation

**Job Description** **Milking:** Assists in efficient and hygienic milking routine. Follows procedure to produce high quality milk. Carries out simple milk harvesting tasks as directed, and is developing correct skills to milk. **Animals:** Assists in safe handling of animals, reports any health and welfare issues as per farm policy. Assists with moving and handling animals safely, and observes and reports on wellbeing of all classes of stock. **Feed:** Controls weeds. Sets break fences and feeds out as directed. Assists with pasture and crop weed control, and is learning about feed allocations and health issues associated with crops. **Machine, vehicles and technology:** Safely uses and maintains vehicles on farm as directed by on farm policy. **People:** Works well with others, building a strong team culture. Is aware of the opportunities available to them in their personal and career goals, and is beginning to look for opportunities to move to the next level in their career. **Health, safety and wellbeing:** Involved in building a health, safety and wellbeing culture. Models farms H, S & W policy. Must be able to drive a tractor and with a valid driver's license. Must be able to detect mastitis and treat lame cows. Must have at least 8 months of dairy farm experience. A clear record, with no prior convictions, is required for this role. A pre-employment drug test is required. **Shed Type:** 45 ACR Herringbone **Farm Size (ha):** 223 **Peak Herd Size (cows):** 700 **Accommodation available:** Shared accommodation is available **Hour Type:** week **Average Hours Per week:** 40 **Roster:** Single rotation - 5 Days on / 2 days Off **Remuneration:** $52,500 annual salary

**Calf Rearer – Methven, Canterbury** We are seeking two motivated calf rearers to join our team for the 2026 calving season, based less than 10 minutes from Methven and 20 minutes from Ashburton. We require two calf rearers who are able to share the workload and alternate days off. **About the Role:** - **Start Date:** Approx. 28 July 2026 - **End Date:** Approx. 15 October 2026 - **Roster:** Negotiable - **Renumeration:** Negotiable - **Hours:** Approx. 30 hours per week, depending on roster - **Farm:** Flat, easy-working terrain; 1030 cows calving over a 12-week period - **Accommodation:** Possible accommodation available, or can be a drive-in position **Key Duties:** - Tubing and feeding calves (milk and meal) - Tagging and preparing calves for transport - Daily health checks and treatments as required - Cleaning calf pens and maintaining hygienic feeding equipment - Accurate record keeping and attention to detail **About You:** - Previous calf rearing experience preferred (lead calf rearer ideal), but training can be provided for the right applicant - Good teamwork, communication, and reliability - High standards of hygiene and organisation - Must be based in New Zealand and hold a valid work visa if required - Must have your own transport

Do you want to work 5 days a week and live just 10 minutes from the Hamilton suburb of Rototuna in a supportive, professional environment with a desire to develop people. Milking 520 cows at Gordonton, we will achieve over 250,000 kg milksolids this season from our friendly girls who rank in the top 2% on BW. Our target for next season is to reach 260,000 kg milksolids, while achieving a 10% empty rate. Excellent pasture management, aided by the Aimer app, and a healthy well fed herd are important to us, as is sharing our knowledge with people wanting to grow. We seek a person already based in NZ to work alongside us to achieve our goals. The key duties of the role are centred on caring for our herd and pastures, being: - Assisting with milking and other tasks - Accurately setting break fences - Assisting with calves during spring - Responsibility for accurate application of effluent You might be the person to fill our role if you: - are based in NZ and passionate about learning from an experienced and respected team - value integrity - have a patient, calm manner with animals - want to do a job right the first time

Are you a Farm Assistant looking for your next step? We are looking for someone with 6 months to 1 year experience looking to take that next step in their farming career. We would expect you to have a basic understanding of the following with a desire to improve these skills: - Milking a herd of cows in a timely fashion - Identify lame and mastitis cows - Complete plant wash and vat wash - Moving Effluent Spreader - Shift K line Irrigation - Correctly set up correct break sizes We are keen to turn good people into good farmers. So if you like the sound of us please apply. We run catered weekly toolbox meetings, teamwork Tuesday and there is a monthly catch up with the farm manager each month to go through your goals. Roster 7/3 - 8 /3 off with 6/ 2 over calving. Only open to people in New Zealand with a current work visa. We are accredited employers but please make sure our pay band lines up with your visa requirements before applying. Successful application will need to have a valid drivers License and pass a pre employment drug test. Farm Size (ha): 341 Peak Herd Size (cows): 1300 Typical On-farm Staff: 6 Position Start Date: 02/06/2026 Accommodation available: 1 bedroom in a 4 bedroom shared house (not with 4 others), $200/week power included Average Hours Per week: 45 Roster: By negotiation Remuneration paid by: Hourly / Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Yearly

**Job Description** Dairy Farm Assistant We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Dairy Farm Assistant to join our team. The ideal candidate will be passionate about dairy farming, possess a strong work ethic, and be comfortable working with modern farm technology. **Responsibilities:** * Assist with all aspects of dairy cow care, including feeding, milking, and health monitoring. * Operate and maintain a 54-bale rotary milking shed, including cup removers and in-bale teat spray systems. * Proficiently use halter virtual fencing systems for efficient pasture management. * Ensure quiet and efficient operation within the milking shed environment. * Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of farm equipment and facilities. * Operate and maintain 2-wheelers and 4-wheelers for various farm tasks. * Adhere to all safety protocols and maintain a safe working environment. * Perform other duties as assigned. **Qualifications:** * Previous experience on a dairy farm is required. * Experience with rotary milking systems is preferred. * Familiarity with halter virtual fencing technology is a plus. * Ability to work independently and as part of a team. * Strong communication and problem-solving skills. * Must be able to remain calm and maintain a quiet demeanor within the milking shed. * Must possess a valid driver's license and be comfortable operating 2-wheelers and 4-wheelers. * A positive attitude and a strong work ethic are essential. If you are interested in this position, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and qualifications.

Start date flexible between 1 June to 20 July. We seek a Farm Assistant or Milk Harvester to join our friendly team in Whakamaru. Farming experience is preferred but other outdoor skills are valued too. This job is at least 30 hours work per week. Wednesdays and Thursdays off. It will consist mostly of milking and cleaning at cowshed. When the cows are dry, the work is mostly weed spraying and other farm maintenance. We have 700 Friesian X cows through a 50 aside herringbone shed with inshed feeding, protrack, ACRs and auto teat spray. Spring calving. Supportive farm owners who live and work on the farm. Opportunities for you to gain new skills and attend agricultural classes if you wish. Farm Size (ha) 300 Peak Herd Size (cows) 700 Typical On-farm Staff 5 Position Start Date 01/06/2026 Accommodation available Small, warm three-bedroom house with heat pump and new carpet. It is getting a new kitchen in the first week of June. Rent will be $320 per week. Hour Type week Average Hours Per week 30 Roster Single rotation - 5 Days on / 2 days Off Remuneration paid by Hourly / Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Yearly

We require someone to assist with milking and general farm work on a 8 on 2 off roster. The cowshed is a 38 aside herringbone with Protrack drafting. You will be working with the owner, and 3 other staff. The position is paid on an hourly rate basis. Farm Size (ha): 200 Peak Herd Size (cows): 500 Typical On-farm Staff: 4 Position Start Date: 19/04/2026 Accommodation available: Accommodation available Hour Type: negotiable Average Hours Per week: 50 Roster: Single rotation - 8 Days on / 2 days Off Remuneration paid by: By Negotiation

We are looking for a reliable and motivated Farm Assistant to join our 680 cow dairy operation at Wairio (10 min to Otautau / 25 min to Winton). You will be part of a 4 person team working across all aspects of the farm. This is an entry level role suitable upto 1-2 years experience. A willing can do attitude is a must. The Role - Milking and shed duties - Winter feed - Calving - Animal Health treatments - General farm work and maintenance - Support the wider team across all operations What You’ll Bring - Reliable - Willingness to learn - Good communication and can do attitude - Must be a NZ resident or hold a valid NZ work Visa The Farm - 680 cows - Rotary - Performance focused system - Supportive team environment On Offer - Competitive pay based on experience - Opportunity to grow - Accommodation on farm or drive in position If you're enthusiastic, willing to learn and get stuck in this is a great role for you! Please apply with your CV and a brief outline of your experience.

**DAIRY FARM ASSISTANT** - **Milking:** Assists in efficient and hygienic milking routine. Follows procedure to produce high quality milk. Carries out simple milk harvesting tasks as directed and is developing correct skills to milk. - **Animals:** Assists in safe handling of animals, reports any health and welfare issues as per farm policy. Assists with moving and handling animals safely, and observes and reports on wellbeing of all classes of stock. - **Feed:** Controls weeds. Sets break fences and feeds out as directed. Assists with pasture and crop weed control and is learning about feed allocations and health issues associated with crops. - **Machine, vehicles and technology:** Safely uses and maintains vehicles on farm as directed by on farm policy. - **People:** Works well with others, building a strong team culture. Is aware of the opportunities available to them in their personal and career goals and is beginning to look for opportunities to move to the next level in their career. - **Health, safety and wellbeing:** Involved in building a health, safety and wellbeing culture. Models' farms H, S & W policy. **Requirements:** - You must have a clear criminal record. - Pre-employment and random drug testing. - You must be drug free. - No pets on farm. - You must live on farm due to the requirements of the job. - No smoking or vaping on farm. **Work Details:** - Minimum 30 hours/week will be provided. - Average Hours Per week: 40. - Roster: Single rotation - 8 Days on / 2 days Off. - Accommodation available: Shared accommodation. - Remuneration: $58,000-$62,000 yearly.

We are sharemilkers on a 730-cow, 300ha farm. We are looking for 2 farm assistants to help with the day-to-day running of our business. We are looking for reliable, hard-working staff who can work in a team or independently. Duties include: - Milking cows, feeding and general animal care, cleaning sheds and equipment, and assisting in day-to-day tasks. Requirements: - Good work ethic, positive attitude, ability to work early mornings and weekends. Previous experience is helpful but not required. Farm Size (ha): 254 Peak Herd Size (cows): 730 Typical On-farm Staff: 4 Position Start Date: 01/06/2026 Accommodation available: 2 houses available Hour Type: week Average Hours Per week: 50 Roster: Single rotation - 11 Days on / 3 days Off Remuneration paid by: Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits) Remuneration if Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits): $85,000

We have a Dairy Farm Assistant position available on an 480-cow farm in the Edendale area, milking through a 40 Aside Herringbone shed. Experience is preferred but not required for this role. You'll have a range of duties to keep you busy, interested and developing including: - Milking twice a day - Shifting cows and feeding - Fencing, weed control - Calving, calf rearing - Shed cleaning and setup - Identifying and alerting managers to sick cows - Setting fences - Other general farm duties. Weekly hours are a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 55. Since farm work is dependent on a number of unknown factors like weather and animals, any hours worked beyond the agreed maximum in a fortnightly pay period will be paid at the agreed overtime rate. The schedule may vary; Roster will be 10 days on, 3 days off for the rest of the year. Salary is $88,200 per annum. Candidates are required to provide good related references. To be considered you must: - Provide a CV which is current, correct and complete or alternative evidence of work (this is proof of work and professionalism and the employer will not consider you without this) - Be a solid worker and with good character (where possible, we will do a criminal check) - Be physically fit - Be able to pass a pre-employment drug test - Have at least a restricted driver licence as you'll need to go between farm and runoff. Summary - if you're committed to getting up early, working hard, treating the animals with care and respect and communicating well with others, you will want this job (or last in it).