Manager
Anonymous•Farm Manager•Edendale, Southland
**Job Description**
**Role Purpose**
The Farm Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management and performance of a 550-cow dairy operation. This includes milk production, animal health and welfare, pasture management, staff leadership, and effective use of technology including Allflex cow collars and a Protrack drafting system to optimise herd performance and labour efficiency.
**Key Responsibilities**
**Herd Management & Animal Health**
- Manage a 550-cow herd to achieve production, fertility, and animal welfare targets
- Use Allflex cow collar data to:
- Monitor heat detection, rumination, activity, and health alerts
- Identify at-risk cows early and take corrective action
- Improve mating performance and reduce empty rates
- Oversee calving, mating, drying off, and culling decisions
- Work closely with veterinarians, AB technicians, and consultants
- Maintain accurate animal health and treatment records (NAIT, withholding periods)
**Milking & Shed Operations**
- Ensure efficient and safe milking practices
- Maintain high standards of milk quality and hygiene
- Monitor somatic cell counts, mastitis levels, and milk quality KPIs
- Manage Protrack drafting system:
- Set up automated drafting criteria (e.g. heats, health alerts, treatment cows)
- Ensure drafting accuracy and system functionality
- Train staff in correct milking routines and technology use
**Pasture, Feed & Farm Systems**
- Plan and manage pasture allocation and rotations
- Monitor feed covers, supplements, and dry matter intake
- Make feed decisions based on production data and seasonal conditions
- Manage effluent systems in line with consent and environmental regulations
- Assist with budgeting and cost control relating to feed and farm inputs
**Staff Leadership & Management**
- Lead, train, and motivate farm staff
- Set daily work plans and seasonal priorities
- Ensure staff understand and correctly use Allflex and Protrack systems
- Conduct staff performance reviews and on-farm training
- Promote a positive team culture and strong work ethic
**Health, Safety & Compliance**
- Ensure compliance with New Zealand Health & Safety at Work Act
- Implement and maintain farm health and safety systems
- Ensure safe operation of machinery, milking equipment, and farm vehicles
- Maintain compliance with:
- Animal Welfare Codes
- Environmental regulations
- Employment and immigration requirements (if applicable)
**Reporting & Communication**
- Provide regular reports on:
- Production performance
- Animal health and reproduction
- Staff performance and issues
- Communicate effectively with owners, contractors, vets, and advisors
- Use farm management software and technology to support decision-making
**Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)**
- Milk solids production targets achieved
- In-calf rate and mating performance
- Somatic cell count and milk quality results
- Animal health outcomes (lameness, mastitis, mortality)
- Staff retention and performance
- Cost control and efficiency improvements
- Effective utilisation of Allflex and Protrack systems
**Skills & Experience Required**
- Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in dairy farming, preferably at Farm Manager or 2IC level
- Proven experience managing large herds (400+ cows preferred)
- Strong working knowledge of:
- Allflex cow monitoring systems
- Protrack drafting systems
- Strong people management and leadership skills
- Sound understanding of pasture-based dairy systems
- Good computer literacy and data interpretation skills
- Physically fit and capable of farm work when required
**Qualifications (Preferred but Not Essential)**
- NZ Certificate or Diploma in Agriculture / Dairy Farming
- First Aid Certificate
- Chemical handling or farm machinery certifications
**Personal Attributes**
- Strong attention to detail
- Proactive and solutions-focused
- Calm under pressure during peak seasonal periods
- High standards for animal welfare and farm presentation
- Honest, reliable, and professional
**Remuneration & Benefits**
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Accommodation modern 3br home
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Supportive ownership and modern farm technology
**Farm Size (ha)**
170
**Peak Herd Size (cows)**
550
**Typical On-farm Staff**
2
**Position Start Date**
02/06/2026
**Accommodation available**
3 bdrm
**Hour Type**
week
**Average Hours Per week**
50
**Roster**
By negotiation
**Remuneration paid by**
By Negotiation
3mo ago