• Family-owned farming business, based in Taihape, Central North Island.
• The Owner’s provide an excellent work culture and value their people.
• Modern technologies and systems within the business. 

WHERE

Waitoka Farming Ltd is a sheep and cattle, breeding and finishing operation. There are two farms Waitoka (500ha) and Okapea (455ha), 20 minutes apart and carrying 9300su. Both the farms work as one farming unit and the Stock Manager will be responsible for the stock on both farms. The farms are semi-intensive but as a hill country operation it runs at a more intensive level.

The farms operate a high performing maternal Romney flock with Southdowns used as a terminal sire. The farms are GAP Assured and supply their lambs to Atkins Ranch and supply their strong wool to NZ Merino Company. Currently 75% of all their sheep are EID tagged, therefore as the Stock Manager you will be required to have a reasonably strong skill level in technology.

WHAT

As the Stock Manager for both farms, the key priority for Waitoka Farming Ltd is a person with a high level of stockmanship in all aspects from managing, monitoring, organising rotations, animal health and pasture management. The farm aims to finish approximately 6,000 lambs annually (the balance of 1500 sold store) and aim to finish as many as possible through Atkins Ranch. You will need a team of 5 dogs minimum and a maximum of 10.

You will also need a good understanding of pasture and have the ability to feed budget throughout the year to manage and prioritise the different stock classes to get the best performance at key times during the year.

There is a full-time shepherd, along with a casual, 2 days a week to manage, requiring you to be well planned and organised, along with the ability to delegate and support the team as required. You will be responsible for overseeing and implementing the farm maintenance. The owners will also be on farm 2-3 days a week plus weekends.

The farms use Resolution and will require you to update stock and maintenance tasks. There is a comprehensive animal health plan that must be follow and implemented.

To read more about the position and farm layout/business structure please visit – https://bit.ly/3DPValM

WHO

Our client is looking for a Stock Manager with a high level of stockmanship in all aspects. The below are also key to success in this role:

• Stock Management and animal health knowledge.
• Strong pasture and feed management.
• Strong communication both verbal and written.
• Staff management (team player), encourage a good work environment.
• Be well-planned and have efficient work habits.
• Good level of computer skills, keen to understand technology.

WHY

• Great support systems in place with owners who are willing to pass on knowledge and upskill their employees.
• Provides the opportunity to gain further responsibility.
• Opportunity to work within an inclusive farming environment, where there is the chance to further your skills and progress your knowledge. 
• A modern farming operation with a close relationship with their agents and processors.
• Taihape hill country, a high performing breeding and finishing operation
• The mustering on offer will enable you to fine tune your dog skills.
• Accommodation is on the Okapea farm, it is a warm tidy 3 bedroom home, with a large patio. It is a serviceable home with a modern kitchen and bathroom.
• There is a strong rural community in the Taihape area, with good sporting clubs and some hunting available locally. It is also a 40-minute drive to the top of mountain for skiing in the winter.

HOW

• To apply for this role, please hit the APPLY button
• For further information on this role please visit https://bit.ly/3DPValM
• For a confidential chat give the Rural Directions team a call on 06 871 0450

Applications close Sunday 30th March 2025

Only job seekers who have NZ working rights will be eligible for this role.