2IC & Farm Assistant

**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 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.

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.

Being owner/operators of our beautiful 440 Ha farm in the most stunning setting on the West Coast, gives us the opportunity to work with our employees on not only maintaining and constantly improving how we do things, but to also train, teach and develop our people into the next generation of dairy farmers. To be successful in this role you will have at least 3 years’ experience here in NZ, and have been in a 2IC position for the last year, you will be a hardworking person who is serious about being a dairy farmer, if you are, we will teach you everything you need to know, to get you to the next level, we like to promote from within. You must also possess a strong work ethic, honesty, reliability, strong communication skills, and be a great team player. We consider ourselves to be excellent employers. Modern on farm accommodation is provided and we shall pay a competitive salary which will be negotiated depending on experience but we’re thinking in the range of $75 to $85k per hour including accommodation. We guarantee a minimum of 30 hours per week. Being only 20 mins to Reefton and 40 to Greymouth there are plenty of schools etc in the area. We are family friendly farm, having kids of our own we like ours to be a safe and healthy work environment, so no criminal records thanks and random drug testing does take place. Farm Size (ha): 440 Peak Herd Size (cows): 700 Typical On-farm Staff: 4 Position Start Date: 01/06/2026 Accommodation available: 2-bedroom modern house - Pref no dogs inside but negotiable depending on the dog, cats are OK 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)

We are needing an assistant manager for our new farming role between Te Awamutu and Otorohanga. The farm is 195 hectares, 590 Jersey cows, A2 milk. The farm is rolling to steep terrain with a strong focus on managing the grass with the cows. The cowshed is a 44 aside herringbone with ACRs on the back 20 sets and meal feeding. Good staff room. The owners have been on farm for 30 years and it has grown over time, with two underpasses and good farm races. We are taking on the farm as contract milkers with high targets, with the tools and skill set to achieve. We need a competent Assistant manager to work with us, with the same ambition for farm success. Applicant needs to be proficient in all matters of dairy farming, including but not limited to: - Milking cows in a herringbone cowshed, good with numbers. - Identifying, preventing and treating mastitis, lameness, milk fever, and typical dairy cow ailments in New Zealand dairy farming systems. Safe handling, fetching and following skills. - Good at identifying calved and calving cows, and identifying on-heat cows for mating. - Calf handling and management. - Measuring grass with a plate meter, accurately setting up temporary fences on rolling terrain. - Safe movement and setup of effluent spreading equipment, travelling irrigator. - Maintenance of stock water, repair of water pipes and ballcocks. - Operation of tractors, feed wagon feeding out maize and grass silage, operation of bale feeder on rolling terrain. - Competency on motorbikes both 2 and 4-wheelers, towing trailers and spreaders. - Health and safety active, helmet wearing, PPE and safety conscious. - Ability and prepared to teach skills to assistants and relief staff. - Ability to run the farm in absence of employer. - Strong communication skills. We have taken on a second job and are still managing the farm we have been on for 5 years. We are moving to the new job (this one) and need a strong 2IC to work with us and be able to focus on this farm and allows us time to still oversee the other one. We have a manager for that farm but we will need to still cover their time off. Basically needing to have the skills to run the farm if we are not there, with the support and systems to be able to. There is the potential for relief work for a partner. Please only apply if you are in New Zealand, have experience in New Zealand, can work in New Zealand without needing an accredited employer for immigration, and are results focused. Fair package. Farm Size (ha): 195 Peak Herd Size (cows): 600 Typical On-farm Staff: 3 Position Start Date: 01/06/2026 Accommodation available: 3 bedroom brick house with fireplace Hour Type: season Average Hours Per week: 60 Roster: Single rotation - 11 Days on / 3 days Off Remuneration paid by: Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits)

**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

This role primarily involves helping in all aspects in running a farm milking 370 cows through two 17 aside herringbone cowsheds. The farm is run as a two herd system with each herd being milked through its own shed. The farm is located in Whitikahu, 15 minutes from Morrinsville and 20 from Hamilton. Accommodation is a recently renovated 3 bedroom farm cottage with a single garage. We Seek Someone: With At least 3 years experience. A solid base in Animal Health and Stock Handling skills. Who is comfortable milking sole-charge. The ability to take responsibility in the Sharemilkers absence. Applicants need to be in New Zealand to be considered. Please provide a CV and references though the link Below. Farm Size (ha) 141 Peak Herd Size (cows) 390 Typical On-farm Staff 2.5 Position Start Date 01/06/2026 Accommodation available 3 bedroom cottage 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)

We seek an experienced 2IC or current Farm Manager to join our team in Whakamaru on 1 June 2026. You must have a minimum of five years of New Zealand dairy farming experience, and be able to provide at least two recent employment references. As the farm owners live on the farm, this vacant role has flexibility - it could suit a 2IC or a trainee Manager or an established Farm Manager. The salary package will reflect this and also includes a nice 3 bedroom house, and a roster of 5 days on and two days off (Fridays and Saturdays) right through the season. Our farm has 700 Friesian X cows through a 50 ASHB shed with ACRs and in-shed feeding, auto teat spray and Protrack. Spring calving, system 3, usually TAD until Feb then OAD until mid-May. We foster a supportive work environment and provide opportunities for you to gain new skills and keep climbing the career ladder. We look forward to hearing from you.

We’re seeking an experienced and motivated Herd Manager to join our progressive 1140 cow dairy operation near Culverden. This role suits someone with solid dairy experience who enjoys working with animals, leading people, and taking ownership of day-to-day farm performance. **About the Role** - Supervise and support farm assistants in the daily running of the dairy. - Oversee milking operations and milk-quality standards. - Monitor and treat animal health issues and record all treatments. - Assist with calving, mating, and reproduction management. - Manage pasture allocation, supplementary feeding, and effluent systems. - Maintain machinery, vehicles, and farm infrastructure. - Ensure compliance with environmental and health-and-safety standards. **About You** - At least 2 years dairy experience, including some staff supervision. - Strong animal-health and pasture-management skills. - Confident with technology and record-keeping. - Positive attitude, reliable, and a team player. - Current NZ driver’s licence. - Eligibility to work in New Zealand. **What We Offer** - Competitive salary (based on experience). - On-farm accommodation. - Supportive, family-oriented team environment. - Ongoing training and career development opportunities. **PAY RATE** $33.56 TO 40$ PER HOURS MINIMUM 30 HOURS WEEKLY.

With our current Unit Manager moving on to Contract milking next season, we are looking to fill a current opening one of our two farms. Currently we have two adjacent 700 cows farms that share the same farm entrance/tanker track. Each farm consists of a 2IC, Herd Manager + Relief milker. With a Farm Manager moving between the two farms + Contract milker working between the 2 properties where needed. The Farm Located on the South side of the Rangitata river, the farm is 15min to Temuka, 30 min to Timaru or Ashburton. With a local kindergarten only 5 min away and good local rural schooling available – Winchester Rural. The farm has 670 cows and boasts a 36 ASHB shed with Protrack and auto drafting, Auto teat spray, New silos and snapchill glycol chilling, Yard wash, Top and bottom gates, Ai Races, Side yards with lame crushes, In Shed feeding. Irrigation across the farm consists of Rotoraieners, K lines, Standard and Lateral Pivots with VRI where needed. Water sources are mainly bore pumped with some river access when not on restrictions. The dairy shed is centrally located on the farms with short walks (20-30min). Calf sheds are a 7 bay heifer shed with adjacent 3 bay bobby calf shed and loading ramp, located opposite the dairy shed for easy milk access. The Job: Dairy Assistant Manager This position is suited to someone with 3-4 years experience minimum and is ready to have a bit more involvement with the day to day running of the farm. A keen eye for detail, good animal husbandry skills and the ability to do the core jobs well would be very beneficial. **Part time work available for partner ie calf rearing and Milking Minimum requirements: - Live in NZ, and able to legally work in NZ - 1 referee - 3 Years minimum dairy farm experience - Class 1 Full license and reliable form of transport Farm Size (ha): 180 Peak Herd Size (cows): 670 Typical On-farm Staff: 3 Position Start Date: 05/06/2026 Accommodation available: 3 Bedroom brick home, double garage, heat pump + fire. Housing is available from June 1st but position start date is flexible. Hour Type: week Average Hours Per week: 50 Roster: Double rotation - 8 Days on / 2 days Off - 8 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): $75-80,000 Package ($150/Week Rent)