Dairy Farm Assistant

We are looking for someone to help us during “calving” on our 900 cow dairy farm near Oamaru. There is a team of 4 currently on the farm, plus someone who feeds the calves. All our cows calve during August and September, so we are looking for an extra person to help us during this really busy time of year. The position starts ideally mid July, until mid October. but we can be flexible on this. 

The job would involve helping out with all the day to day jobs. This would include collecting freshly born calves from the paddock and taking them to the calfsheds, getting the calved cows separate so they can get milked, milking different herds of cows, moving cows, keeping an eye out for poor health at milking time, it could also include helping feed the calves. We feed pasture out in the paddocks, and take extra feed out to different mobs in the paddock, and on the feed pad using the tractor and feed trailers. Our cows have Halter collars, and these help us feed the pasture, but they also help us see things such as walking, resting, digestion, reproduction and health issues. This is a fairly new and innovative NZ product.

The job is physical, you would need to be able to lift at least a 20kg bucket of milk, or bag of grain, or up to a 40kg calf. It's outside in all sorts of weather every day. It requires being adaptable as stock will do their own thing sometimes. Ideally need to be a confident driver, as this will ensure you can get up to speed driving different vehicles on the farm. We use ATV's, 2 wheelers and trucks to get around, Any tractor experience is a bonus. 

There is lots going on at this time of the year, so that makes it a really interesting job. During the peak of calving there will be around 30-40 cows calving per day. Some cows need assistance calving, some need medical help as they move from being in calf to milking. working daily with stock is good fun, and who wouldn't like seeing new calves every day. You would get to see some amazing NZ sunrises, as work starts before dawn every day. 

We have employed heaps of backpackers over the years, and know even if you don't have “farming experience” as long as you have some practical skill, are physically fit and can adapt and learn quickly, you will enjoy your time. you will get an insight into a world recognised farming system, get plenty of hours, and be provided with accomodation during the NZ winter, when the van can be a bit chilli! and finish just in time to enjoy the warmer weather

To apply please email us your cv and a covering letter outlining why you would be a great person for this position. 

Thanks Kirsty and Nathan, we Look forward to hearing from you