Farm Manager - Ron Frew Family Partnership Ltd

RFFP Ltd are a 3,500-hectare family owned and operated primary industry business located in the Ruapehu Region. The operation comprises two hill-country breeding properties, intensive breeding and finishing farms, a dairy unit, and a commercial market gardening business.

Our clients are seeking an experienced Farm Manager to lead stock operations across their intensively managed farms on the outskirts of Ohakune. The 990-hectare operation is run as four separate blocks and requires a candidate with proven experience in ewe breeding systems, lamb and cattle finishing, and dairy support. Strong organisational and communication skills are essential for the role. After 11 years of strong and effective management, the retiring farm manager leaves a well-run operation ready for new management to take the lead.

The farms are predominantly flat and winters 11,500 SU. Farm policy includes 6,400 Romney breeding ewes with all lamb progeny finished within the pasture-based system. 1,250 non-mated hoggets are kept as replacements and between 1,000-2,000 trade lambs to finish are brought in annually from the breeding blocks.

Steers and heifers are taken through to finishing with the traditional beef weaners sourced from the breeding blocks and the beef cross from the dairy farm. Dairy support is provided with 170 weaned calves grazed through until they return to the milking platform as in-calf rising two-year-olds. Winter brassica crops are grazed by ewes and cattle with hay and silage supporting the supplement policy.

Key roles include:

• Being responsible for the day-to-day farm operational demands and the implementation of annual plans.
• To achieve and report on defined goals for stock, production and management programs.
• Organisation of service providers, the sale and delivery of livestock for processing and management of the internal stock transfers from the breeding farms.
• Running a tidy and well executed enterprise with a high standard of animal health and welfare.
• To effectively manage and coordinate farm staff and contractors.
• To continuously develop management capability and business skills to enhance job satisfaction while contributing to optimal stock quality and farm profitability.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have proven stockmanship in sheep breeding/finishing and cattle systems and enjoys performance driven systems.
• Can maintain accurate records in a timely manner
• Leads staff with high expectations and takes pride in tidy and well set up farming operation.
• Has 4 dogs under good command.
• Be capable of minor general/repairs and maintenance.

The properties all have sound infrastructure with yards and sheds, strong soil fertility, and are well subdivided with majority of the paddocks having reticulated water.

Accommodation includes a comfortable 3-bedroom home that is heated by a heat pump and a fire. The blocks are located within 5 to 15 minutes of each other with the managers house located centrally and within 10 minutes from Ohakune. Work opportunities exist for a partner, making the role suitable for couples.

Remuneration and total package will be discussed with applicants that progress to an on-farm interview and will be based on the experience and skillset of the successful applicant.  The job description will be provided to top applicants.

Please apply with cover letter and CV via https://agfirstcareers.qjumpersjobs.co/jobs/details/Farm_Manager_-1100849 or please call 027 423 5521 for further information. Applicants should be New Zealand residents or have a valid New Zealand working visa and are comfortable to carry out pre-employment requirements.