Our Co-operative

Te Mātāpuna toa takitini

Fonterra’s strength is in the collective

We are a Co-operative created and owned by Aotearoa New Zealand dairy farmers. Our rich history is built on farming families working together to share the natural goodness of our dairy with the world.

Collaboration, innovation, and passion was the cornerstone of our creation and something we continue to value today through our commitment to care for the land, our animals, and every drop of milk. Our milk creates goodness through nutritious food with safe, quality ingredients that are loved here in New Zealand and around the world. 

About Farm Source  

Farm Source is the face and place of Fonterra with our shareholders and local communities across rural New Zealand. We have the people, products, expertise and tools to help our farmers stay one step ahead for a sustainable farming future. 

We are like a coach and trusted advisor for our farmers for all things Co-op, Environment, Animal, Milk and People & Communities. We are locals caring for our farming future.

We offer competitive salary packages and a comprehensive range of discounts and benefits. We’re confident that no matter where you join our Co-op or what stage of life you’re in, we’ve got something to suit.

About the opportunity 

Putting your rural knowledge and love for agriculture to work with us will be a positive move for our farmers and your future. Like us, you're passionate about rural life and agricultural people and it's your expertise that means there are no boundaries to what can be achieved here.

This is a permanent role where you will be working an average of 50 hours per week which will be paid on a monthly basis. Reporting to our Farm Manager, your key responsibilities will include the below:

- Milking 600 cows through a 50 bale rotary shed with cup removers, auto drafting and in shed feeding

- Feeding out

- Break fencing 

- Recording and documentation of activities carried out on farm

- Weed control

- Farm maintenance 

- Tractor work

- Other farm tasks as required 

You will assist in making sure the farm, our vehicles and the shed are maintained to a high standard and that the property improvements are managed in a timely manner. It is expected you will have the ability to make strategic decision for the farm. 

Key focuses of the role: 

• Support strategic decisions being made on farm.

• Assist farm management with animal health and welfare requirements 

• Assist in maintaining accurate records of stock, animal health treatments, grazing records, and effluent management

• Complying with the requirements of the Health & Safety in Employment Act

• Supporting the Farm Manager to ensure environmental compliance is always met or exceeded

The successful applicant will also be eligible for the company’s short term incentive scheme (5% of base salary). 

About you

What you’ll bring to the role

To be successful in this role, you will possess the following:

• Farming experience not essential but is beneficial

• Positive and can-do attitude is a must!

• Full driver’s license

• Strong communication and relationship building skills

About the Farm

Based in Longburn, only 5 minutes’ drive to Palmerston North, Thornton Park Farm is a predominantly flat farm of 200ha milking platform and an 80ha support block which boundaries onto the Manawatu river. We have recently transitioned to an all spring calving herd of 600 A2 cows. Thornton Park Farm is one of two Fonterra dairy farms in Longburn. The wider Longburn Farms team is made up of 10 part time and full time employees carrying out various roles across the group of farms. 

The successful candidate will be offered extensive training, both internal and externally to develop their skill level to help them become a successful farmer! 

You can choose to be based at the farm and stay at the accommodation provided (3-bedroom house) or choose to be a drive in employee. If you choose to drive in, a housing allowance will be provided.