Farm Manager – Longrange, Omakere, Central Hawkes Bay

Horizon Farming Limited (HFL) is a Hawke’s Bay based sheep, beef, and deer farming business operating across six blocks totalling 7,515 hectares (63% owned, 37% leased). Owned by the Holdsworth family of Wellington, HFL employs 28 full-time and several casual staff, and is governed by a board with both family and independent directors.

The business runs around 75,000 stock units (sheep:cattle:deer ratio 54:44:2), with each block farmed to its strengths while integrating across the operation. HFL’s mission is to grow a sustainable agribusiness that balances people, land, and profit. Its core values include integrity, honour, fairness, and accountability. The company places strong emphasis on environmental stewardship, with significant and ongoing investment in environmental projects.

Longrange is HFL’s flagship 3,500 hectares total with 2,755 hectares effective breeding and semi-finishing farm in Omakere. Running around 25,000 stock units, it serves as the breeding hub, supplying high-quality replacement stock to other HFL farms, ensuring strong genetics and performance across the business. With reliable rainfall, diverse land, and modern infrastructure, Longrange consistently delivers results. The property has well maintained systems, technology, and equipment support efficiency, animal welfare, and large-scale operations.

As the Farm Manager will be responsible for the implementation of the farm business plan and sustainable operation of Longrange. The overall objective of this role is to perform the responsibilities outlined below, with the key objective being to maximise company profitability with the emphasis on stock performance and farm productivity of Longrange.

Key responsibilities include:

• Business planning, stock policy and financial management,
• People management,
• Stock and operational management,
• Asset management – plant and property,
• Health and safety,
• Compliance and risk management.

The role also involves maintaining and improving farm infrastructure and equipment, managing staff resources, fostering a strong team culture, and promoting a positive reputation for the business.