Owl Farm is located near Cambridge, Waikato; it is a 142ha (effective) demonstration dairy farm set up through a joint venture between St Peter’s School and Lincoln University.
A primary goal of the farm is to develop and share world-class resources, information and on-farm practices with the dairy industry, particularly in the Waikato. We are doing this by applying proven research and extensive monitoring so that Owl Farm becomes an exemplar in production, financial, environmental and people performance while remaining focused on building and maintaining high people and animal welfare standards.
The on-farm team is supported and guided by the Farm Management Committee, an experienced group of advisors with a broad range of skillsets representing our industry partners: Ravensdown, DairyNZ, Fonterra Farm Source, PGG Wrightson Seeds and Westpac, together with farmers, St Peter’s School and Lincoln University.
The Farm Management Committee also provides opportunities for young farming leaders to grow and develop governance skills, through an Associate Member position on the committee. This position is for a period of up to two years, commencing shortly after appointment each December, and the successful applicant will be supported as they learn the principles of governance.
There are now a number of associate director-style governance opportunities available across New Zealand agribusiness — a sign of the industry’s investment in emerging leaders. These schemes are typically aimed at candidates who already have some governance experience. Owl Farm’s Associate Member role is different: it is designed specifically as a first step into governance, for people at the early stages of their leadership journey who hold little or no other governance experience.
Applications are currently being sought from farmers in the Waikato/Bay of Plenty area. They should already be demonstrating leadership capabilities, and looking for an opening into governance, whilst also helping Owl Farm achieve its goals.
The application form FMC Associate Member position application 2026 gives more information. If you are interested in this position, please complete and return the form via email to enquiries@owlfarm.nz before Monday, 30 November 2026.
