Dairy/Beef Drystock Manager

The Hillcrest Group is on the search for an experienced Dairy/Beef Drystock Manager to join 
their business. The drystock farm plays an important part in supporting the wider farming 
business through providing high quality heifers to the dairy farm, wintering its cows and 
creating value through a beef operation.  
Reporting to the farm owners, this is an exciting opportunity to put your skills to the test with 
the autonomy to get the job done knowing support from the farm owners and wider business 
is there when you need it.   
Big on family values, this is a well-established farming business that looks after its people 
which is reflected in this role previously bring held for 6 years, our General Farmhand/Fencer 
has been with us for 14 years. The Hillcrest group proudly run a self-contained system and 
are progressive in their farming practices.   
The Farm: 
• 650ha effective. 
• Carrying 380 R2 heifers and 380 R1 heifers. 
• Finishing Friesian bulls 400, 200 which are due to be sold this year.  
• Beef 360, 180 which are due to be sold this year. 
• Contour split 20% hills, 40% downs and 40% flat. 
230ha of the farm under [pivot and fixed grid] irrigation with the balance dry land. 
• Fully reticulated stock water system. 
• All wetlands and gullies fenced off with ongoing planting. 
• 3 sets of Te Para cattle yards in different locations on the farm minimising walking 
distance of stock. 
The Details: 
• Hours of work: Such hours to suit the management of the farm but not normally 
exceeding 45 hours per week, working every second weekend. 
• Well maintained, 4-bedroom house. 
• Located in Culverden 30 mins from Hamner Springs and 60 mins from Christchurch. 
• Great local schooling. 
Candidate background: 
• You’ll be well accustomed to the needs of wintering cows and heifers on kale and 
fodder beet crops.  
• Experience growing replacement heifers and finishing cattle. 
• Three years or more experience working on a dry stock farm.  
• Experience in pasture, cropping, cattle management including management and 
administering an animal health program set by the farm’s vet.  
• Ability to complete typical farm repairs and maintenance including water systems.  
• Sound tractor and heavy machinery knowledge - Tractors with autosteer, fertiliser 
spreader, feed out wagon, side by side etc. 
• Strong organisation skills, planning ability and record keeping including regular feed 
budgeting.  
• Bring an open and transparent approach to communication.  
• Ability to carry out day-to-day tasks on your own and have the discipline to work 
autonomously, using your initiative and manage your own time. 

For a further discussion about the role, please send through a CV to voraycroft@xtra.co.nz