VARIABLE ORDER SHARE MILKER

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

You will ideally have 3-5 years experience working directly on farm, having gained an overview of all the required elements needed for farm management. You will also have some experience of managing staff.

IDEAL QUALIFICATION

National Certificate in Agribusiness Management, Level 4
National Diploma in Agribusiness Management, Level 4
Certificate in Rural Staff Management (or similar)
Production Management – stage 2
An agricultural science / management bachelor’s degree

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Works without direction
Uses initiative/problem solving
Trustworthy
Integrity
Organisational skills

OVERVIEW

A Variable Order (VO) Sharemilker takes responsibility for the production system. They also maintain farm infrastructure and machinery and may employ labour where required. They are responsible for the financial management of their own business.

OUTLINE OF ROLE

Sharemilkers are self employed contractors who receive a percentage of the milk income, and pays a percentage of costs, based on the amount of stock and machinery they contribute to the agreement. Income depends on both payout and production.

Sharemilkers are responsible for defined areas of expenditure and will supply agreed resources e.g. motorbike, machinery or stock. The level of responsibility for a sharemilker is less strategic than a farm owner. It requires the knowledge and understanding of farming at the same level as a farm manager, with the added responsibility for financial management of their own business.