Farm Manager Jobs in Northland

Managing a split calving dairy farm. Suit couple. Rear calves. Look after water supply and electric fences. Farm Size (ha): 100 Peak Herd Size (cows): 200 Typical On-farm Staff: 2 Accommodation available: 3 bedroom older home Hour Type: season Average Hours Per week: 60 Roster: Single rotation - 12 Days on / 2 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): 100k

We require a motivated and reliable Farm Manager and Herd Manager to join our team on a progressive, spring calving farm near Whangarei. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who takes pride in their work and wants to grow their skills and responsibility over time. This role is one that has potential to transfer to a Contract Milking role as the Owners wish to step back within the next 1-2 years. You'll be involved in all day-to-day dairy operations, with good systems, support and opportunities to upskill for the right person. Farm Size (ha): 185 Peak Herd Size (cows): 420 Typical On-farm Staff: 2.5 Position Start Date: 01/06/2026 Accommodation available: 2 * 3 Bedroom Hour Type: negotiable Average Hours Per week: 55 Roster: Single rotation - 11 Days on / 3 days Off Remuneration paid by: Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits)

We are seeking an experienced Farm Manager to take full operational responsibility for a well-established, blue chip dairy operation located in Kerikeri, Northland. This role requires a proven manager who is confident leading people, systems, and performance, and who can work closely with all parties to set clear KPIs and consistently deliver against them. The Farm - 630 cows - 40 bail rotary cowshed - Covered feed pad - Automatic drafting - Excellent, well-maintained infrastructure - Total area: 360 ha (220 ha effective) - Integrated support block for young stock The farm is well laid out and supported by strong infrastructure, enabling a focus on performance, efficiency, and staff development. The Role - You will have full responsibility for the day-to-day operation and strategic performance of the business, including: - Working together to set, implement, and adhere to agreed KPIs - Full staff management, including recruitment assistance, onboarding, training, performance management, and rostering - Leadership of animal health, pasture management, and feed systems - Management of the support block and young stock - Budget awareness and cost control in line with farm targets - Ensuring compliance with health & safety, environmental, and industry standards - Driving continuous improvement across all areas of the operation About You - Proven experience as a Farm Manager on a dairy operation - Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage staff performance - Strong systems and KPI-focused mindset - High standards of animal welfare and pasture utilization - Well organized, reliable, and commercially aware - Clear communicator with a professional leadership style What’s on Offer - A well-resourced, established farm with excellent infrastructure - A genuine leadership role with accountability and autonomy - Supportive ownership with clear expectations and targets - Competitive remuneration package reflective of experience Farm Size (ha): 220 effective Peak Herd Size (cows): 630 Typical On-farm Staff: 4 Position Start Date: 01/06/2026 Accommodation available: 4 bedroom home Hour Type: negotiable Average Hours Per week: 55 Roster: By negotiation Remuneration paid by: By Negotiation

**Job Description** 440 cows | 200ha effective | 50% Autumn & 50% Spring Calving | Upwards of 160,000KgMS **About the Farm** Ararua Hills Farm is a 267-hectare property in Ararua, Northland, operated by Adam and Laura Cullen under Cullands Limited. What began as a sharemilking venture has evolved into farm ownership and a leading example of regenerative and sustainable dairying practices. The farm’s long-term plan to be profitable net-zero food producers while improving the health of the land, water, animals and community creating a farming ecosystem. Of the total area, 200 hectares form the dairy platform, while peak milking 440 cows across a split-calving system producing approximately 160,000 kg MS each season with the support of a 95ha lease block adjacent to the home farm. A further 30Ha have been retired to native planting and transitional forest, the business continues to evolve its sustainability work; including wetland restoration, minimum tillage cropping and strategic nitrogen use. This is supported by a governance framework that ensures farming decisions considers its environmental footprint. The farm offers staff well supported infrastructure, with a 50 bale rotary milking parlour, feed pad and well maintained machinery. **The Opportunity** Cullands Ltd is seeking a Farm Manager to take operational leadership of Ararua Hills Farm’s dairy platform. This newly developed role will allow the business owners to focus on strategic direction and the delivery of their sustainability goals, while the Farm Manager oversees daily operations, herd health and team performance. The business is continually looking to improve its pasture harvested on farm through regressing, soil health and attention to detail with pasture management. This is an opportunity to be part of a business that is demonstrating strong stewardship of the land. Cullands Ltd offers a down-to-earth workplace where communication and learning are valued, and where capable people are trusted to manage with independence. **About the Successful Candidate** - **KPI Performance:** Brings a strong grasp of pasture-based dairy systems, production planning and farm business management. Understands how to set, track and achieve performance targets while maintaining efficiency and profitability. - **Soil & Environment:** Shares Cullands’ belief that great farming is a partnership with nature; that healthy soils, thriving ecosystems, and profitable farming go hand in hand. Is curious about regenerative practices such as cover cropping, no-till systems, and soil-biology-based decision-making and understands the link between soil health and long-term productivity. - **Animals:** Takes pride in the health and performance of animals with a focus around the fundamentals of how feeding impacts drying off, calving and reproduction. Has solid experience in animal health, breeding and seasonal planning, taking pride in achieving consistent herd performance and welfare outcomes. Sees animal wellbeing as central to both production success and ethical farming practice. - **People Leadership:** Leads with calm confidence, building a culture of teamwork, communication and continuous improvement. Plans ahead, develops capability in others and creates an environment where people, animals and land all thrive together. Is open to being part of field day discussions. The successful applicant will receive a competitive salary, quality on-farm housing and the chance to enjoy the Northland lifestyle – surf beaches, bush walks and a strong local community. Beyond that, they will be part of a farm that is actively restoring ecosystems, regenerating soils, reducing emissions and showing that profitability and environmental responsibility can thrive together.

We’re looking for a motivated and capable Farm Manager to join our 300-cow dairy farming operation in Dargaville, Northland. This is a hands-on role where you’ll support the farm owner and step up confidently when he is away. Our ideal applicant will have: - At least 3 years of dairy farming experience in New Zealand, - Proven track record of pasture and feed management, animal health, shed hygiene, effluent management, weed control, health & safety, and rearing young stock - A calm and respectful approach to stock and experience in animal husbandry - Confidence in driving tractors and operating farm equipment - Ability to manage daily tasks and supervise staff - Honesty, reliability, and excellent communication skills - A strong work ethic As Farm Manager, you will: - Liaise with the farm owner to plan the farm operations - Take responsibility for animal health and other assigned tasks - Identify and treat animal health issues promptly - Manage daily planning and staff supervision in the farm owner’s absence - Carry out routine maintenance, including milking plant checks and repairs - Maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness around the dairy - Implement and monitor health, calving, and mating plans - Ensure compliance with environmental regulations (soil, nutrients, effluent, water) - Have good communication skills - Safely operate and maintain farm vehicles and equipment We spring-calve and seasonally supply milk through a 27 aside HB shed. We run a high-producing grass-based system feeding palm kernel, grass silage, hay and summer crops to our jersey herd. Farm Size (ha): 126 Peak Herd Size (cows): 300 Typical On-farm Staff: 3 Position Start Date: 21/12/2025 Accommodation available: Yes - a three bedroom home provided on farm; fenced section; insulated and healthy homes compliant; wood burner fire; dish washer. School bus pick up at the gate. Hour Type: week Average Hours Per week: 60 Roster: Single rotation - 12 Days on / 2 days Off Remuneration paid by: By Negotiation

Amazing opportunity for an experienced farm manager to run our Northland Agricultural Research Farm and the three herds under a farm system trial. Plenty of support available from both the consultant and farmer committee. Great stepping stone to progression through the industry. The NARF Farm is set up as three individual farmlets of 27ha. Herds of around 80 cows stay on their farmlets all year under different management regimes. Cowshed is 30 aside herringbone with automatic drafting. Halter technology will be installed by 1 June. A choice of good housing is available, and the farm is 5 minutes from the town of Dargaville. Candidates will need to demonstrate the key skills below: - Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with basic computer skills essential. - Staff management experience. - Animal husbandry and pasture management skills. - Experience in operating machinery safely and efficiently. - Attention to detail and recordkeeping. Job description available. Email northland@agfirst.co.nz for more information. To apply please follow this link to upload your cover letter and CV.

Are you ambitious and goal driven and wish to progress rapidly in the dairy industry? We are searching for a manager or contract milker who has a love of farming, takes pride in their work and with help from the owners will run a profitable business. We are looking for someone who has the x-factor who wants to get ahead. This position manages three staff. You will be in charge of a 50-bail rotary shed and milk up to 720 cows on a June calving system. We are a Halter farm. We use this for herd movement, pasture management, mating and cow health. As you will be working with staff, leading by example, a positive attitude and a sense of humour are essential. We are happy to work closely with you, set the plan and let you implement it. The job involves all the usual duties of dairy farm management including milking, stock work & animal health, pasture management, herd records, compliance with environmental policies, mating, rearing young stock and farm maintenance and management. A full Job Description can be provided on request. We are happy to provide contact details for previous employees and professionals so that you can check us out. We have a good record as employers with a low turnover. We try to be as flexible as possible to include family needs and sport or other interests. Preferably you will have Ag ITO or University qualifications and a minimum of 2 years dairy experience. Farm Size (ha): 411 Peak Herd Size (cows): 720 Typical On-farm Staff: 4 Position Start Date: 01/06/2026 Accommodation available: There is a 4 bedroom house with attached double garage. It has a new kitchen and a wood fire in the lounge. It is located on a sealed road with the school bus stopping at the end of the driveway. Hour Type: week Average Hours Per week: 55 Roster: Single rotation - 11 Days on / 3 days Off Remuneration paid by: By Negotiation Remuneration if Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits): Depends on whether manager or contract milker - good package available