Herd Manager, Waimatua, Invercargill

We’re looking for a capable herd manager to join our 50 50 sharemilking operation milking around 650 cows. This is a hands-on role with real responsibility within a well-run system.

The role would suit someone who genuinely enjoys dairy farming and wants responsibility rather than just being given a list of jobs.

About us

We run a modern well-presented farm with a great 54 bail rotary with ACR's and protrack. We have herd home wintering barns which our mixed age cows winter in and a support block 10min away where the youngstock are kept.

We will be in our 2nd season with Halter, so yes, no fences or following cows! And as such, we have a very high emphasis on pasture management. This is a fantastic opportunity to upskill at that.

This will be our 10th season sharemilking the property, it's a great farm with supportive farm owners. We have pasture first approach, with in shed feeding to fill the gaps. We focus on doing the basics well, and are always looking for small improvements to get the little 1% gains wherever we can. We have a small team and expect everyone to pull their weight and take pride in their work. Because the workplace is so efficient you will often be doing tasks on your own, so some self-direction or initiative is important.

We're around 15-20 Min from Invercargill, see here

https://maps.google.com/?q=Waimatua+Southland

What you’ll be doing

Managing day to day herd health and identifying issues early

Running efficient milkings and maintaining high shed standards

Feed allocation and supporting pasture management

Operating tractor and feeding out using a mixer wagon

Operating and help maintaining machinery

Assisting with calving mating and general farm work

Keeping accurate records and following systems properly

What we’re looking for

Minimum 2 years NEW ZEALAND dairy farming experience

Good practical skills and strong stock sense

Confident tractor operator with feedout experience preferred

Attention to detail picks up issues early

Reliable and able to work unsupervised

Keen to learn improve and take ownership of the role

What’s on offer

Competitive pay based on experience

Supportive team and straightforward systems

Well run operation focused on doing the basics right

Opportunity to take on more responsibility over time

The role

We run a high standard operation and focus on doing the small things well. If you take pride in your work notice the little details and are always looking to improve you will do well here.

You must be living in New Zealand, I am not accredited.