NEW ROLE on expanding Organic Dairy Farm - flexible position and start date

Ashton Farming LtdAssistant Herd ManagerPatoka, Hawke's Bay6mo ago
We are looking for a motivated individual to join our team in a newly created position. We have recently purchased the certified organic farm that we have been leasing for the past two years, as well as a neighboring property that will undergo development and enter organic conversion. This position can be evolved around the most suitable applicant ranging from farm assistant up to 2IC level. Salary will be established accordingly. We were Fonterra Organics Top Performers for milk quality last season with an SCC of 87 and 99% days of excellence and are on track to improve results this season. Therefore you must have strong attention to detail, high level of hygiene, with a focus on milk quality and animal health. 800 cows in multiple herds with Halter 40bale rotary with ACRs and in bale auto teat spray Cell Sense Protrack OAD milking, solo in shifts in conjunction with our existing staff member and us, the owners. Well presented farm, with excellent infrastructure. System 1. Majority flat to rolling contour. 250ha effective main farm, with an additional 200ha effective on new farm. Patoka, Hawkes Bay is a summer safe, thriving dairy and drystock farming community 45minutes northwest of Napier. Excellent kindergarten and primary school. School bus at the gate. Active Young Farmers group. Several options on farm for tidy, comfortable housing. Applications to: ashtonfarmingltd@gmail.com Let us know why you are the best person for the job, we look forward to talking to you!

Related jobs

Dairy milker to work in family team

10842 MoneypitAssistant Herd ManagerKaikohe, Northland

Milking, mastitis detection, calving, tractor work, side by side experience, grass management, gentleness with cows important. Farm Size (ha): 200 hectares plus 90 hectare runoff Peak Herd Size (cows): 330 Typical On-farm Staff: 1 person calves, 1 half day, manager at peak times Position Start Date: 06/04/2026 Accommodation available: Yes Hour Type: season Average Hours Per week: 40 Roster: Single rotation - 10 Days on / 2 days Off Remuneration paid by: By Negotiation

2mo ago

Can you fill our empty gumboots?

72654Assistant Herd ManagerGordonton, Waikato

One of our team is progressing to a more senior role after 6 years with us, so we have an opportunity for someone wanting to join a supportive team with a good history of staff retention. 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 people already based in NZ to work alongside us to achieve our goals. The key responsibilities of the role are: 1. Manage supplement quality and utilization so that we can achieve our goal of 500 kg MS/cow. 2. Manage animal health treatments. 3. Maintenance of our plant and equipment. 4. Assist in managing pasture to maximise quality and pasture eaten. You might be the person to fill the empty boots if you are: - someone with 2+ years experience in NZ wanting to learn from experienced and respected operators, although recent career changers may be considered. - a self motivated individual who pays attention to detail. - an individual with good stockmanship.

2mo ago

Grow your career in Te Pahu

Lewis Farms Te PahuAssistant Herd ManagerTe Pahu, Waikato

We have an exciting opportunity for a farm assistant/trainee herd manager to join our team. The farm is located in the great community of Te Pahu less than 10 minutes from Pirongia and also close to Hamilton, Te Awamutu and Raglan. We run a System 3 farm with 300 cows milked through a 36ASHB with in-shed feeding and ACR's. This position would suit someone who already has some basic farming experience and is looking to gain the knowledge and experience to take the next step in their farming career. Quality training will be provided in all aspects of farming including animal health, pasture management, farm machinery operation and fencing with introduction to feed budgets and MINDA if desired. This position could also suit someone new to the industry if they are highly motivated and keen to give all aspects of farming a go. The current owner has managed multiple farms previously up to 1000 cows of varying input levels and is keen to pass knowledge on and help people progress through the industry. We are enthusiastic about people gaining and improving industry skills and fully support off-farm training such as AGITO and attendance at local discussion groups and training days. The ideal applicant will have a positive can-do attitude and a high standard of work. We offer a competitive remuneration package including wet weather gear, gumboots, firewood and phone allowance. The roster will vary depending on the time of the season but a healthy work/life balance is considered a priority and regular time off is scheduled. The roster is negotiable to best suit the needs of the employee. To apply please send in your C.V. and a cover letter. Applicants must be currently in New Zealand with a current NZ work visa - we can not offer an accredited work visa (applications which do not meet these criteria will not be considered). The successful applicant will be required to participate in a drug test on appointment.

2mo ago

Herd Manager

Balfour dairiesAssistant Herd ManagerBalfour, Southland

We are seeking a reliable and motivated Dairy assistant herd manager to join our team on a focused dairy farm. This is a great opportunity to be part of a supportive team environment, grow your skills and not everyday is the same. **About the Role:** You will assist with the day-to-day running of the farm, working alongside the farm manager and 2ic to maintain high standards of production, animal welfare, farm presentation, health and safety and staff well being. **Key Responsibilities:** - Milking and maintaining shed hygiene - Monitoring herd health and reporting issues - Feeding and shifting stock - Assisting during calving - Effluent management - Operating farm machinery where required inc feeding out and loading - Have pride in your work **Roster:** This position operates on a 11/3 roster August- November, 5 /2 December- July, providing a good balance of work and regular time off. **What We’re Looking For:** - Previous dairy farming experience - two years experience required - Positive attitude, reliability, and strong work ethic - Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in all weather - Ability to work both independently and as part of a team - Good understanding of animal welfare and health & safety practices - Driver’s licence **What We Offer:** - Competitive pay package based on experience - Supportive team environment - Ongoing training and development opportunities - Fun enjoyable work environment - Accommodation available on farm 3 bedroom modern home - Work to life balance

2mo ago

Dairy Support Manager

Dairy FarmAssistant Herd ManagerTe Awamutu, Waikato

Role readvertised due to change in circumstances of candidate. One of our Drystock Managers has made the decision to go dairy farming so we are looking for a Dairy Support Manager who will support the Dairy Manager, covering time off for the dairy team as well as work alongside the other Drystock Manager. The role includes; - Regular cover for the dairy team during calving & mating (mid July to mid November) - Milking 580 cows at peak through a 36ashb - Getting in cows and calves - Feeding out silage and maize (no feed pad) - Putting up and taking down break fences - Diagnosing and treating animal health issues including mastitis and lameness - Reactive and planned maintenance Drystock management (all dairy youngstock, carry over cows, rearing and finishing beef) - Feeding out silage - Putting up and taking down break fences (all mobs get daily breaks) - Drenching and vaccinating stock - Reactive and planned maintenance - Diagnosing and treating animal health issues in a timely manner The ideal candidate will; - Have a minimum of three years milking cows and diagnosing and treating health issues in dairy cattle - Be physically fit and able to walk up and down hills putting up break fences for drystock - Be confident on a two wheeler (use of quad bikes on drystock not permitted) - Be able to confidently operate a tractor with implements - Be able to identify and fix water leaks and power shorts - Be self motivated and able to work alone as well as be part of a team - Be willing to change the day's plan when something pops up that needs urgent attention, either on the drystock unit or the dairy unit - Demonstrate empathy for cows and calves - Be confident working in the yards with large cattle (steers and bulls) - Be able to accurately calculate pasture cover and area to ensure all animals are adequately fed every day The farm is in zone for Korakonui School (years 0-8). There is a bus at the corner 4km away for Korakonui School, Te Awamutu Intermediate and Te Awamutu College. Dogs are not required for this role and are not allowed on farm. We also have a strict no children on farm policy for health and safety reasons. Please include a CV and cover letter with your application and three recent references. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Farm Size (ha): 180 Peak Herd Size (cows): 580 Typical On-farm Staff: 3 Position Start Date: 01/06/2026 Accommodation available: Three bedroom or four bedroom house available depending on family situation Hour Type: week Average Hours Per week: 45 Roster: By negotiation Remuneration paid by: By Negotiation

2mo ago

2 IC

Brookwood DairiesAssistant Manager (2IC)Takapau, Hawke's Bay

We are a family owned dairy farm in Central Hawkes Bay. We are looking for a 2IC who is reliable and self-motivated to work alongside our Farm Manager and staff, to help lead our high–performing dairy farm. Our operation is a top performer in financial results, productivity, efficiency and environmental stewardship. We run a well-proven, successful farm system with clear expectations and strong support. The farm is a flat, well developed and tidy farm with very good housing and sheds. As 2 IC, you will work closely with the Farm Manager in daily operations and need to be capable of managing the farm during the Managers absence. The role suits someone ready to take on more responsibility, take the next step or, an experienced manager looking to take a step back while remaining part of a strong productive team. The position allows you to take on excellent learning opportunities and gain experience in all aspects of running a dairy unit. Requirements - Previous dairy farm experience (ideally 2-3 years plus). - Ability to supervise staff and oversee day to day operations when the Manager is absent - Good stockman ship and animal welfare What we offer: - Opportunities for career progression within a supportive team - Possible opportunity for partner involvement - Well maintained infrastructure - Good location, 2 mins off SHW2 (20 mins to Dannevirke, 15 mins to Waipukurau) - 580 cows 46 aside herringbone with ACR’s - In-shed feeding system - 183 hectares - Very good near new housing with primary bus at the gate. If you take pride in performance, leadership and personal growth, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV outlying your working history along with at least 2 references to office@brookwood.co.nz We will only be considering applicants that are currently in NZ and are already eligible to work in NZ

3mo ago

Manager - Brookwood Dairies

Brookwood DairiesFarm ManagerTakapau, Hawke's Bay

We are a Family owned dairy farm in Central Hawkes Bay. We are looking for a motivated and capable farm manager to lead our high-performing dairy farm. Our operation is a top performer in financial results, productivity, efficiency and environmental stewardship. We run a well-proven, successful farm system with clear expectations and strong support. The farm is a flat, well developed and tidy farm with very good housing and sheds. As farm manager, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day management and performance of the dairy operation. You will work closely with the farm owners to meet production, animal health and financial targets while leading and developing the farm and staff to their full potential. What we offer: - Genuine support from the farm owners and a farm advisor - Opportunities for personal growth and progression - Possibly opportunity for partner involvement - Well maintained infrastructure - Good location, 2 mins off SHW2 (20 mins to Dannevirke, 15 mins to Waipukurau) - 580 cows 46 aside herringbone with ACR’s - In-shed feeding system - 183 hectares - Very good housing with primary bus at the gate. If you take pride in performance, leadership and personal growth, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV outlying your working history along with at least 2 references to office@brookwood.co.nz We will only be considering applicants that are currently in NZ and are already eligible to work in NZ

3mo ago

Farm Assistant

B.W & A.M BaxterFarm AssistantDannevirke, Hawke's Bay

We are seeking a reliable Dairy Farm Assistant for our Dannevirke-based dairy farm, starting March 2026, milking approximately 300 cows through a 24-aside herringbone shed with ACR's. You will be working alongside a contract milker and the farm owner, assisting with day-to-day farm operations. Independent on-farm accommodation provided. The ideal applicant will: - Be able to solo milk (preferred) - Have basic tractor experience (preferred) - Be reliable, motivated, and willing to learn - Currently live and able to work in NZ. We are not AEWV employers On-the-job training is available, and we’re happy to teach the right person. If you’re keen to grow your skills in the dairy industry, we would love to hear from you. Please email murnanepartnership@gmail.com for more details or to send us your CV.

4mo ago

Herd Manager/Farm Assistant

EJP DAIRY LTDAssistant Herd ManagerWreys Bush, Southland

We have an awesome opportunity for a keen individual to join our team. We will calve 600 cows peak milking around 580 through a tidy and modern 40 aside herringbone. The shed is fitted with Acrs, walkover teatsprayer, Protrack drafting, and has covered side yards for working in all conditions. The farm is Flat to rolling and very tidy. We seek someone who loves working with cows, is willing to progress, strives to work to the best of their ability, and wants to maintain and be proud to work to a high standard. Duties include but are not limited to, Milking, feeding dairy cows and calves, temporary and permanent fencing, spraying, animal health detection and treatment, farm maintenance, plant cleaning, and tractor work. The farm Is located 20 minutes from both Winton and Otautau townships, with Invercargill 40 minutes away. Must be competent riding 2-4 wheel motorbikes or willing to learn. A good standard of housing is provided with the role. Minimum of one year experience dairy farming in New Zealand is preferred, but not necessary as we are seeking the right fit for our team and willing to train and progress the right person. If this sounds like something you may be interested in please apply via Farmsource with your CV, Cover letter, and at-least two relevant references.

4mo ago

Farm hand 2IC

S&R DairyAssistant Herd ManagerOamaru, Otago

We have available a full time OAD dairy farming position in a 40 aside herringbone. The right applicant must be able to Calve cows, Treat Mastits and lame cows. Tractor driving experience as well as mowing and feeding out. Fencing experience and all day to day running of a farm. We would like someone with a partner that can do casual relief milking and calf rearing. Please call Rachelle on 0211741418 if your interested. Farm Size (ha): 315 Peak Herd Size (cows): 1000 Typical On-farm Staff: 3-4 Accommodation available: 3 bedroom house Hour Type: negotiable Average Hours Per week: 50 Roster: By negotiation Remuneration paid by: By Negotiation

4mo ago