CFAES Give Today
ANSCI

Department of Animal Sciences

CFAES

New Zealand Farm Position

Mitchell Agriculture Ltd. is a share milking business located in Southland, New Zealand. The business is owned and run by Danny and Abby Mitchell. Since beginning in the industry 7 years ago, Danny has worked his way up through the kiwi-dairy system. Abby studied dairy science at Virginia Tech before setting off to NZ. We are currently milking 1300 cows on a 600-hectare Dairy farm. The farm includes a range of modern technology including two 850 cow wintering barns and an 80-bale rotary milking parlor. The farm is owned by New Zealand Superannuation Fund, as one of many investments in the rural holding’s portfolio.

We are looking for a team member to join us in January 2020 through to December 2020.

Through the winter (June - August) the cows will be in the free stall barns on a 100% grass silage diet. Calving begins July 25th and we draft springers out intermittently and put them on pasture for the rest of the season. We run a 6-person team. Calving is all hands-on deck and we operate a 6 days on, 1 day off roster. During this period, we provide dinner 3 nights a week. During the rest of the season we run a 6 days on, 1 days off roster, 5 days on, 3 days off roster. We run a rotation that will allow every person to learn every job.

The salary is $1,661.50 NZD per fortnight.

The ability to work and travel in New Zealand using paid holiday time.

Our goal throughout the season is to teach each of our staff principles of low input dairy farming, and the fundamentals of agribusiness management.

Farm accommodation is a tidy cottage on farm shared with other farm staff. There are separate bedrooms and bathrooms with a shared common space. Red meat and milk are provided but you will have to pay for power, internet, and $100 NZD/week rent. We will provide you with coveralls, gumboots, rain gear, and milking gear.

The farm is located just outside of Mossburn, a small town of about 200 people in the most southern region of New Zealand. Mossburn is an hour and half from Queenstown, two hours from Fiordland, and an hour from Invercargill. So, there is heaps to do and see on days off.

Due to a limited number of positions, preference will be given to applicants that are able to exemplify problem solving skills, a good work ethic, a can-do attitude, and hands on farm experience. If you’re willing to work hard and to learn, we would love to have you!

If you have any questions or would like to apply, just send your CV and a cover letter to:

mitchellagriculture@gmail.com