Job Details

Category: Shepherd / General
Location: Waikato

Rural Directions

Shepherd General | Alexander Farming Genetics Ltd

• Intensive Waikato based farming business benchmarking in the top 10%.

• Great learning opportunity within a mixed enterprise operation.

• Develop your knowledge of sheep genetics and the working of a stud environment.

WHERE
Alexander Farming Genetics Ltd is a high performing family-owned farming business comprising two existing 512 ha and 60 ha properties in Matamata, central Waikato and a 540ha property near Dannevirke, in the Tararua District. An additional 180 ha block has recently been added to the business portfolio, just 5km down the road from the home block in Waikato.

The business is a mixed enterprise farming operation with an intensive commercial sheep and cattle breeding and finishing operation along with running a small, recorded stud of Facial Eczema Tolerant Romney ewes. They are wintering around 10,000su at 14 su/ha now that the new block is integrated into the business. The new block is utilised for drystock with the potential for arable farming.

This is a highly organised farming business with a board structure in place to protect the long-term vision of the owners including transparency, succession and economies of scale.

WHAT
Alexander Farming Limited seek an enthusiastic Shepherd General to join their small and efficient team. Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Shepherd General will assist on all of the business’ owned and leased farmland in the Waikato district.

This is a great learning environment where the Shepherd General will complete the daily operational tasks on farm including animal handling, animal health & welfare, general farm repairs and maintenance.

This is a hands-on role and while there is support it will suit a Shepherd General able to work without supervision on most of the key responsibilities listed below:

• Stock and operational activities including planning and allocation of feed, stock rotation and weighing/condition scoring.
• Identifying and treating animal health requirements in conjunction with Operations Manager.
• Accurate recording of livestock related information using industry software.
• Be actively involved in team meetings and professional development.
• Establish strong working relationships and contribute to a positive work culture.
• Adhere to all H&S and wellbeing requirements.

To read more about the position and farm layout please visit – https://bit.ly/3WMvhKe

WHO
Our client is looking for a Shepherd General with a high level of integrity and honesty and someone who is keen to learn and leverage off this high performing business. The below are also key to success in this role:

• Minimum 1-2 years’ farming experience and ideally an industry qualification.
• Calm approach and sound stockmanship skills with a team of 2-3 working dogs.
• Understand/or keen to learn pasture management, feed budgeting and stock rotations.
• Strong communication and record keeping skills.
• Ability to take direction and implement tasks efficiently.
• High level of initiative, organisation and time management skills.
• Capable of using a handpiece for crutching.
• Experience with fencing and tractor work (beneficial).
• Tidy work and personal habits.
• Physically active and fit.
• Current NZ Drivers licence (Restricted/Full).

Date Posted: 2025-02-07