Nagra Farms Limited operates dairy farming activities in the Waikato region and requires Dairy Herd Managers to oversee daily herd management, milking operations, and animal health. These roles are essential to ensure efficient dairy farm operations, maintain herd performance, and meet production and animal welfare standards.

Position Title: Dairy Herd Manager
Number of Positions: 2
Location: Waikato Region
Pay Rate: $30 – $36 per hour 
Hours of Work: 30 – 40 hours per week

 

Key Requirements

  • Minimum 2 years’ experience or Level 4 Qualification.

 

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Herd Management

  • Lead the planning and execution of the herd management strategy, including calving, mating, culling, and herd improvement.
  • Monitor milk production trends, set performance targets, and analyse herd data to inform decisions.
  • Ensure accurate herd recording and compliance with NAIT and other regulatory requirements.
  • Collaborate with veterinarians, consultants, and breeding advisors to optimise herd performance.

2. Animal Health & Welfare

  • Oversee implementation of animal health plans, treatments, and preventative strategies.
  • Ensure high standards of animal welfare are maintained at all times.
  • Supervise and support staff in diagnosing and treating animal illnesses.
  • Manage the calving season, ensuring timely intervention and care for newborns and mothers.

3. Pasture & Feed Management

  • Develop and implement pasture rotation and feed budgeting plans.
  • Manage feed allocation in accordance with seasonal and lactation demands.
  • Coordinate supplement feeding and monitor pasture utilisation and cow body condition.
  • Work with nutrition advisors to enhance feed efficiency and herd health.

4. Staff Leadership & Development

  • Lead, train, and mentor farm team members to ensure consistent high performance.
  • Allocate tasks, supervise workflows, and maintain a safe and positive team culture.
  • Conduct performance reviews and provide feedback and support for staff growth.
  • Promote staff compliance with farm policies, including animal welfare and health & safety.

5. Farm Systems & Operations

  • Ensure all farm activities (milking, effluent, irrigation, fencing, etc.) align with the overall herd productivity goals.
  • Identify and implement opportunities for operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
  • Use technology and farm management systems to support planning and reporting.
  • Maintain accurate records across animal health, production, and pasture management.

6. Compliance & Sustainability

  • Ensure full compliance with environmental, milk processor, and animal welfare regulations.
  • Oversee the implementation of the farm’s effluent and waste management plans.
  • Maintain high standards of hygiene, biosecurity, and sustainability.

7. Health & Safety

  • Champion a strong health and safety culture on the farm.
  • Conduct regular hazard identification and risk assessments.
  • Ensure staff are trained in safe practices and use of PPE.
  • Record incidents and implement corrective actions as required.

8. Financial Oversight & Reporting

  • Provide input into budgeting and cost management related to herd and pasture operations.
  • Monitor expenses relating to feed, animal health, and labour.
  • Prepare reports on herd performance, pasture utilisation, and farm inputs.
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