·         Located in Waiwhare, 50km from Hastings, in a safe, welcoming rural community.

·         Be part of a team-focused, inclusive farm where learning and growth are valued.

·         Enjoy a family-friendly farm with systems designed for work-life balance.

WHERE

SJ Pastures is a progressive 450ha dairy farm near Hastings, featuring a 250ha milking platform and dedicated feed unit. Run by Contract Milkers Jeremy and Sheree for three seasons, the farm operates a high-efficiency, largely self-sufficient system with modern infrastructure and machinery, including a composting barn producing 400-600 tonnes annually. Producing around 20t/ha of feed each year, including 130ha of lucerne under cut-and-carry, the farm milks year-round and has excellent laneways ensuring a maximum 15-minute walk to the shed. The system balances strong production with a healthy work-life balance.                        

WHAT

Willowford offers an exciting and supportive dairy farming environment for job seekers at all stages of their career. Whether you’re looking to gain experience with larger herds, take the next step, or step back while remaining part of a strong team, this role provides excellent learning opportunities. Job seekers should have at least 2-3 years of dairy experience and a genuine passion for working with cows.

The farm operates a conventional system with progressive cow management, a cut-and-carry feeding policy, strong animal health focus, and a diverse mating programme. The role is varied, covering milking, animal health, machinery operation, and general farm work, within a team-focused environment where knowledge is shared and support is provided for those keen to grow.

To read more about the position and farm layout please visit – https://bit.ly/4jIyjcB

WHO

Our client is looking for a Herd Manager/2IC genuine passion for working with cows and willingness to be part of a small, efficient team. The below are also key to success in this role:

·         2-3 years dairy farming experience.

·         Enjoy the cows/good level of stockmanship.

·         Strong understanding of feed management and cow requirements.

·         Have a willingness to learn and care for the machinery.

·         Opportunity to manage the shed, do the checks and paperwork.

·         Be a strong team player and enjoy a variety of work.       

WHY

·         Work within an inclusive farming environment, where employers are committed to sharing their knowledge.

·         Gain experience alongside experienced dairy farmers who are happy to mentor and support you.

·         Be part of a progressive farming operation, challenging conventional practices while achieving excellent results.

·         Enjoy a family-friendly work environment, with systems designed to support work-life balance.

·         Opportunity to develop skills across all aspects of dairy farming, including milking, animal health, machinery operation, and pasture management.

·         Potential to progress into 2IC or management roles, building leadership and herd management experience.

·         Exposure to innovative farm systems, including cut-and-carry feeding, strong animal health protocols, and diverse herd management strategies.

·         Work in a supportive, team-focused environment, where knowledge-sharing and professional growth are encouraged.

·         Accommodation is a tidy, renovated 3-bedroom home with a modern kitchen, new bathroom, full insulation, heat pump, fireplace, heat transfer system, and new curtains.

·         Hunting and fishing, own campsite on the farm by the river, that farm employees can use.

HOW

·         To apply for this role, please hit the APPLY button

·         For further information on this role please visit https://bit.ly/4jIyjcB

·         For a confidential chat give the Rural Directions team a call on 06 871 0450

Applications close Sunday 15th February 2026 – unless appointed earlier so apply today!

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