Herd Manager Jobs in Manawatu-Whanganui

We are seeking a reliable, practical, fit and motivated Herd Manager. The farm: · Rotary shed · 400 cows · Approx 15 minutes from Pahiatua · Twice a day herd for entire season Position requires applicant to assist with milk harvesting, stock management, and feeding stock. The applicant must be able to manage and monitor animal health treatments, work with animals in a calm manner and be able to identify animals for mating. We are looking for someone who takes pride in the surrounds, dairy shed and equipment on farm- the expectation is that the dairy shed is kept clean at all times, and gear is maintained. Require applicant to have had at least 3 years experience on a dairy farm or that the applicant has an Agricultural or Animal Science degree. Experience on a NZ dairy farm is desired. If you apply for this role you will be honest, have a positive attitude, and be able to work in a team environment. Applicants must have a full drivers license. Strict non smoking/vaping policy and drugs policy for entire property (including accommodation and all outside areas). Non alcohol during work time policy. Pre employment drug test and police check will take place. Please apply detailing past and current position with references. Farm Size (ha): 200 Peak Herd Size (cows): 400 Typical On-farm Staff: 3 Position Start Date: 01/07/2025 Accommodation available: Accommodation available to rent on farm - no smoking, no vaping and no pets Hour Type: negotiable Average Hours Per week: 45 Roster: By negotiation Remuneration paid by: Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits) Remuneration if Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits): 70000

**Job Description** Carries out milk harvesting tasks safely, efficiently, and correctly, and assists in training new employees on correct techniques. Assists with solving milk quality problems, as per instructions in farm policy manual. Helps farm assistants to understand factors that affect milk quality, hygienic milking and mastitis control procedures. Cleans and maintains the milking plant and farm dairy equipment, and carries out hygiene inspections as per instructed in on farm policy manual. Moves and handles animals safely, identifies and diagnoses animal health issues, and assists with treatments and prevention in line with farm policy. Records and maintains all herd health treatments and events according to on-farm policy or dairy company policy, as per advised by manager. Observes, records and reports on cows preparing to calve, and calves’ cows in line with farm policy. Moves, handles and rears calves, identifies and diagnoses calving-related health issues. Understands the mating management policy for the farm. Recognizes cows on heat, and records as per policy. Diagnoses and assists with treatment of breeding related health issues. Diagnoses and assists with treatment of breeding related health issues. Observes, identifies and manages pasture/crop weeds, or reports these to appropriate team member as advised. Knows the crops on farm, sets appropriate feeding allocations, and is aware of associated animal health issues with crop feeding. Understands the on-farm feed policy, can calculate pasture and supplement requirements and set correct feeding levels. Recognizes and understands pasture quality, pasture covers and appropriate residuals, and implements best practice to maintain quality and avoid pasture damage. Feeds out supplements as advised ensuring there is minimal wastage, and is aware of associated feed health issues. Understands how the farms dairy effluent systems operate and how effluent affects the on-farm environment. Is aware of regional council requirements and their responsibilities to comply with these. Understands the farm environment plan and associated responsibilities. Follows farm policy to achieve best nutrient management practice. Understands regulations around land management and ensures their practice complies with these. Is learning how to use agrichemicals and fertilizers, safely and correctly. Understands regional council requirements around water use, and implements steps to achieve efficient water use in the farm dairy as advised in farm policy manual. Understands what their potential career path looks like and the skills required to get there. Actively looks for and considers opportunities to grow skills and take the next step. Understands own rights around employment agreements, minimum wage requirements, leave and accommodation, and how to communicate any issues to managers. Models the values and behaviors of a good workplace culture, through leading by example. Understands obligations around their own time management, and can prioritize work tasks. Safely erects and maintains both permanent and non-permanent electric and non-electric fences, as directed. Sets up, operates, and maintains the irrigation system according to workplace procedures and consents. Is beginning to problem-solve technological issues, and demonstrate initiative in using new technologies and data for insights and decision making. Operates farm vehicles and machinery in accordance with safety and regulatory obligations, and knows strategies to avoid hazards and biosecurity risks. Knows how to maintain good health on-farm, understands health and safety compliance requirements. Identifies hazards, understands safety procedures, and demonstrates safe on-farm work practices. Reports near misses and accidents in the relevant registers provided at induction. Identifies hazards, understands safety procedures, and demonstrates safe on-farm work practices. Reports near misses and accidents in the relevant registers provided at induction. Knows how to safely operate and maintain equipment. Manages their general wellbeing using self-awareness, seeking support from farm team as required. Is aware of nutritional, physical, emotional and social needs. Models good health, safety and wellbeing behaviors to juniors, and communicates any issues. Must be able to drive a tractor and be able to legally drive in NZ. Must be able to detect mastitis and treat lame cows. Shared accommodation is available. 11 days on 3 days off roster. Must have at least 2 years dairy farm experience. **Shed Type:** 60 Bale Rotary **Farm Size (ha):** 240 **Peak Herd Size (cows):** 760 **Typical On-farm Staff:** 4 **Position Start Date:** 05/01/2026 **Accommodation available:** Shared accommodation is 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-$87,256 annual salary depending on experience

We require an honest and motivated person to join our team. We milk 700 cows through a 44 bail rotary shed in Owhango, approx 10 minutes south of Taumaranui. You MUST have 2 years of New Zealand Dairy Farming experience with at least two relevant references. The ability to work as a team member, common sense and a good attitude are also a must. JOB DESCRIPTION: MILKING: Manages milk harvesting to optimise quality, efficiency and yield, monitoring milk dockets to help troubleshoot issues. ANIMALS: Implements and monitors the animal health plan, and records and reports on this. Diagnoses and treats all animal health issues and demonstrates best practice in the areas of animal handling, health and welfare. Supports and trains junior staff in their development. FEED: Monitors pasture covers, feed intakes and cow condition, and discusses appropriate management with senior staff. PEOPLE: Work well with others, building a strong team culture. Mentors junior staff. MACHINERY, VEHICLES AND TECHNOLOGY: Safely uses and maintains vehicles on farm, as directed by on farm policy. HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELLBEING: Involvement in building a health, safety, and well-being culture and helps train and models this to junior staff. REMUNERATION: Salary $56,000 Minimum 30 hours Maximum 35 hours per week PLEASE NOTE: - As part of our Company health and safety policy we do undertake routine drug testing - A full clean drivers licence is essential - You must have a clean criminal history. Do not be offended if we ask for a police report. This is a process we undertake as part of our on boarding process. - Strictly no pets YOU MUST BE IN NEW ZEALAND TO APPLY Farm Size (ha): 210 Peak Herd Size (cows): 700 Typical On-farm Staff: 3 Position Start Date: 05/01/2026 Accommodation available: Shared accommodation Hour Type: week Average Hours Per week: 32 Roster: Single rotation - 8 Days on / 2 days Off Remuneration paid by: Hourly / Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Yearly Remuneration if Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits): $56,000

**HERD MANAGER POSITION — STARTING 26 JANUARY 2026** We are looking for a driven and passionate Herd Manager to join our team from 26th January 2026. This role has become available due to a current team member relocating back to their hometown. Our ideal applicant is someone committed to their dairy career with 3+ seasons’ experience and a strong willingness to continue learning and developing. **About the Farm** - 550 split-calving Friesians - 44-bale rotary with ACRs, auto teat spray, and modern tech - 230ha operation with maize/kale crops - All young stock reared on-farm - Located in Kiwitea, 20 minutes north of Feilding and 30 minutes from Palmerston North (Manawatū) **Our Team** - 2 full-time staff + Contract Milker. - Relief staff as needed during calving and leave periods - Supportive, fun team culture with a strong focus on work/life balance - Current roster: 4:1 / 6:3 (may vary during calving) **Accommodation** - Warm, comfortable 2-bedroom home - Fireplace, large living area - Up to Healthy Homes standards **About Us** We are contract milkers and a young family who value and encourage off-farm time. We’re active in Young Farmers and enjoy being part of the local community. **Skills & Attributes We Need** - Strong and effective communicator within a team environment - Ability to work as part of a team - Confident operating 2-wheeler, quad, tractor, and feed wagon - Uses initiative when planning and completing daily tasks - Takes pride in shed and equipment cleanliness - Confident identifying animal health issues and treating under guidance - Knowledge and experience with calving, including assisting cows and recognising complications (under guidance if needed) - Calm, patient stock handling with high animal-welfare standards - Bonus: experience treating lameness (training available) **Salary & Benefits** $70,000–$75,000 total remuneration package, including: - Housing - Wet-weather gear - Phone/data allowance **Additional Information** - A pre-employment drug test may be required; drug use is not tolerated - Applicants must be currently in New Zealand - We are not an accredited employer, so you must hold a relevant NZ work visa If you’d like to learn more about us, check out our Instagram: @theeudderfarmers **Farm Size (ha)**: 230 **Peak Herd Size (cows)**: 550 **Typical On-farm Staff**: 2 **Position Start Date**: 26/01/2026 **Accommodation available**: 2 Bedroom House **Hour Type**: week **Average Hours Per week**: 50-55 **Roster**: Double rotation - 6 Days on / 3 days Off - 4 Days on / 1 day Off **Remuneration paid by**: By Negotiation