The dairy industry in New Zealand is one of the biggest agricultural sectors in the country, and there are many jobs for people who want to work with cows. There is a constant lack of skilled workers and high demand for Cow Farm Worker Jobs in New Zealand on both the North and South Islands. This type of work offers stable employment, excellent pay, and unique lifestyle benefits. There are many jobs for dairy farm workers in New Zealand. Dairy cattle farming is on Immigration New Zealand’s regional skill shortage list, which means the government wants both New Zealanders and people from other countries to fill these jobs. There are chances all year long, not just during busy times like milking or calving.
Daily Responsibilities:
Cow farm workers usually do a lot of different things, such as:
- Using modern rotary or herringbone shed systems, milking cows twice a day
- Giving animals food and water
- Keeping an eye on the health of cows and finding illnesses or injuries
- Taking care of small problems like mastitis and lameness
- Moving animals from one pasture to another
- Using tractors and other farm tools
- Taking care of and fixing fences, water systems, and other infrastructure
- Cleaning the equipment and buildings used for milking
- Helping with calving during the breeding season
- Taking care of feed crops and pastures
- Keeping track of the health and productivity of animals
Pay and Benefits:
Dairy farm workers have been receiving significantly higher pay in the last few years due to a shortage of workers and the increased difficulty of obtaining a visa. Here are the current salary ranges:
- Farm Assistant: $48,000 to $55,000 a year (about $23 to $25 an hour)
- Dairy Herd Manager: $67,000-$74,000 per year
- Assistant Manager: $66,000-$70,000 per year
- Farm Manager: $83,000-$88,000 per year
- Operations Manager: $103,000+ per year for those overseeing multiple farms
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Requirements:
To work on a cow farm in New Zealand, you need to have the right physical abilities, practical skills, and personal traits that make you a good fit for the hard work that comes with farming. At the most fundamental level, prospective workers need excellent physical fitness and stamina, as the job involves long hours of standing, walking, lifting heavy objects, and performing repetitive tasks in all weather conditions. You need to be willing to get up before dawn for morning milking sessions, which usually start at 4:00 or 5:00 AM. You also need to be able to work outside regardless of what the weather is like.
Basic mechanical skills are very useful on modern dairy farms, where workers often use tractors, quad bikes, milking machines, and other equipment that needs to be handled carefully and maintained regularly. Farm work requires coordinating with other workers, managers, and sometimes veterinarians or agricultural contractors, so it’s just as important to be able to communicate eloquently and work well with others. Employers always stress the importance of being dependable, honest, and having a strong work ethic. Their reasoning is because the health and safety of hundreds of animals depends on workers showing up on time and doing their jobs well. Farm workers must also be able to work alone, make good choices when their boss isn’t around, and take the lead when they see problems.
Entry-level jobs don’t require any prior experience, but having worked with dairy cows or other livestock provides you a big edge and often means you start at a higher pay rate. Employers are more likely to hire people who have practical skills like driving a tractor, riding a motorbike or quad bike, and knowing the basics about animal health problems like mastitis or lameness. These skills also help workers do their jobs better from the first day. Having a valid driver’s license is essential, and in some cases, it is necessary. This is especially true on farms where workers need to move equipment, pick up supplies, or get from one part of a large property to another. When applying for higher-level jobs, candidates who know how to manage pastures and have worked on maintaining farm machinery may stand out.
Working Conditions and Lifestyle
Dairy farming is a different way of life than most jobs in cities. Workers live in rural areas with stunning natural landscapes, from rolling green hills to dramatic mountain backdrops. The job is outside and hands-on, which is great for people who like to be active instead of sitting at a desk all day. Most farms use roster systems that provide workers with regular time off, unlike in regular jobs, where weekends can vary. Many workers like the rhythm of farm life, being around animals, and the satisfaction of growing food. However, the job requires a commitment to getting up early, doing hard work, and sometimes working in adverse weather. It’s best suited for those who genuinely enjoy outdoor work and animal care.
How to Apply Cow Farm Worker Jobs in New Zealand
- Please submit your CV/resume and a contactable character or work reference by clicking on the following link.
- Send your CV and cover letter to employers offering sponsorship.
- Once selected, the employer provides a job contract and applies for your visa under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme.
- Submit your job offer, visa application, and supporting documents to Immigration New Zealand.
- Once approved, relocate to New Zealand and start your job as a cow farm worker.