Amberley - Shepherd General
Located in the Hurunui Valley, North Canterbury.
Okuora Farms is a privately-owned farming operation based in the rural district of Domett in the Hurunui Valley, just south of Cheviot, North Canterbury. Owned by John & Maury Penno, Okuora Farms runs sheep, beef and dairy support across three properties: Brooklands (300ha), Riverview (100ha) and Bodbrane (300ha).Totalling 700ha effective, the blocks are all within a 10km radius with a mix of flat to rolling hill country and some steeper hill country in the Hurunui Valley. The farm also has a 7ha block of hops which it sells under the brand Bold River Hops.
Due to the coastal location of the property, it receives some good rainfall which is supported by 300ha of irrigated flats utilising pivots, rotorainers, gun and sprinklers. The current stock numbers sit at around 2500MA breeding ewes and 150 MA cows along with trading steers and dairy grazing heifers.The dairy grazers come from a farming business who we have built a strong relationship with. We graze dairy heifers year-round and also winter their dairy cows.
As Shepherd General in this intensive farming operation, you will be reporting to the Stock Manager and be part of a highly experienced team. While the majority of the role would be stock focused, depending on seasonal demand, you may be involved in any other areas of the farm including horticulture.
This role will work across all three properties. There are strong standards on farm with animal health being a top priority. With the diverse stock classes on farm from breeding ewes to finishing stock and dairy grazing, you will be an effective worker and good communicator.You will ideally have a small team of working dogs, that are under good control.
We are looking for:
A real team player who is keen to get stuck in across a wide variety of areasA high standard of stockmanship and quiet management of stock.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Organised and responsible.
With a current NZ driver’s licence (prefer full).
Accommodation is in a shared 4 bedroom cottage that has been recently refurbished in a lovely setting.
The Hurunui and Waiau rivers provide great fishing for trout, salmon and whitebait. The clear waters are popular with kayakers and jetboaters, and there are many swimming holes to enjoy on a hot summer’s day.
Only job seekers who have NZ working rights will be eligible for this role.
To learn more call Pete Roberts on 021 414 469 or Paige McNabb on 020 4041 7830