If you’re passionate about dairy farming and want to work with a professional, forward-thinking team, this Farm Assistant / Herd Manager job in New Zealand at Milkyland Limited near Ashburton, New Zealand, offers an excellent opportunity. You’ll play a vital role in managing herd health, supporting milking operations, and maintaining a productive, safe, and sustainable farm environment. With a focus on teamwork, animal welfare, and modern dairy systems, Milkyland Ltd provides a rewarding role for motivated farm professionals.
About Milkyland Limited
Milkyland Limited is a well-established dairy farming business located near Ashburton, New Zealand, known for its large-scale, high-performance dairy operations. The company manages a 405-hectare farm and milks 1,580 cows through an 80-bail automatic rotary system.
At Milkyland, the team values animal health, sustainability, efficiency, and collaboration. Every member contributes to ensuring that cows are well-cared for and that milk production meets the highest standards. The company also emphasizes staff wellbeing, offering training, accommodation, and a supportive working culture.
Working at Milkyland Limited means joining a skilled, dedicated team that values innovation in dairy farming and takes pride in maintaining a healthy herd and efficient operation.
Job Summary
Milkyland Limited is seeking a Farm Assistant or Herd Manager to join their dynamic dairy team. The position involves a mix of hands-on milking, herd management, and general farm duties to ensure the smooth operation of a large dairy enterprise.
You’ll work alongside an experienced team of six on a single rotation roster of 5 days on / 2 days off, averaging around 45 hours per week. The role includes shared on-farm accommodation, and working hours are negotiable depending on experience and farm needs.
This role is ideal for applicants with 1–3 years of dairy farming experience who are eager to learn, take responsibility, and grow within a modern, well-managed farming environment.
Key Responsibilities
As a Farm Assistant / Herd Manager at Milkyland Limited, your main duties will include:
- Milking 1,580 cows through an 80-bail automatic rotary system while ensuring cow comfort and efficiency.
- Monitoring and maintaining herd health, promptly identifying and addressing any issues.
- Assisting with calving, feeding, and animal husbandry tasks.
- Keeping milking sheds, yards, and equipment clean and hygienic.
- Supporting pasture management and stock rotation for optimal grazing.
- Accurately recording production, health, and feeding data.
- Operating and maintaining farm machinery and equipment safely.
- Collaborating with farm management and team members to meet daily targets.
- Promoting and maintaining a safe, respectful, and efficient work environment.
- Upholding Milkyland’s commitment to animal welfare and sustainable farming practices.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates should have:
- 1–3 years of experience in dairy farming or a related agricultural role.
- Experience with large herds and rotary milking systems (preferred).
- Knowledge of animal health and welfare best practices.
- Basic mechanical and maintenance skills.
- A commitment to teamwork, communication, and safety.
- Reliability, motivation, and a positive work attitude.
- Valid eligibility to work in New Zealand.
Skills
Milkyland Limited values team members who demonstrate:
- Strong attention to detail and animal care.
- Problem-solving and time management skills.
- Physical fitness and stamina for outdoor work.
- Good communication and cooperation within a team.
- A proactive and safety-conscious mindset.
- Ability to adapt to the farm’s roster and working environment.
Benefits
Joining Milkyland Limited comes with excellent benefits, including:
- Competitive pay rates based on experience and skills.
- Shared on-farm accommodation near Ashburton.
- Consistent roster (5 days on / 2 days off).
- Opportunity to work with modern dairy technology (80-bail automatic rotary).
- Supportive team culture with training and development opportunities.
- A safe, family-oriented work environment focused on wellbeing.
- Hands-on experience managing large herds and modern systems.
