Times are tough, and plenty of us in rural New Zealand are feeling the pinch. Whether it’s rising living costs or the need for a bit of extra income, a side hustle can make all the difference. For those of us tied to the land, the good news is that agriculture jobs offer plenty of flexible options that fit around your busy life.
But a side hustle isn’t just about the money. It’s a chance to pick up new skills, gain hands-on experience, and even open doors to new opportunities—all while staying connected to the rural way of life.
Why Side Hustles in Farming and Agriculture Work
If you’re a farmer, a parent juggling school drop-offs, or just looking for an excuse to spend more time outdoors, side hustles in the agriculture sector are a perfect fit. These jobs don’t lock you into rigid schedules and let you pick up work when it suits you. Plus, they keep you in touch with what you love—working with the land, the animals, and the people who make this country tick.
The Best Side Hustle Jobs in Agriculture
Here’s a list of side hustle ideas that’ll help you bring in extra cash without stepping too far from your roots:
- Relief milking – Perfect for early risers who don’t mind lending a hand on the dairy farm.
- Calf rearing – Seasonal work that’s ideal for parents or students.
- Casual tractor or machinery work – Great if you’ve got experience behind the wheel.
- Farm maintenance – Spraying, fencing, or fixing things up—plenty of variety here!
- Shearing help – Roll up your sleeves and get involved in one of NZ’s classic rural jobs.
- Fruit picking and vineyard work – Seasonal, flexible, and perfect if you enjoy hands-on work outdoors.
These jobs aren’t just about making a buck—they’re a chance to keep your skills sharp, learn something new, and maybe even have a bit of fun while you’re at it.
Escape the 9-5 Grind
For those stuck behind a desk all week, a side hustle in agriculture could be the perfect way to break free. Imagine spending your weekends outdoors, reconnecting with the land, and contributing to your local farming community. It’s the perfect balance of structure during the week and hands-on, meaningful work on the side.
Let Ag Assist Connect You to Local Work
Finding side hustles used to mean asking around or keeping an ear to the ground. But now, Ag Assist makes it simple. Our platform connects you with local farming jobs, seasonal work, and casual roles that fit your lifestyle.
With Ag Assist, you can:
- Browse job listings tailored to your skills and availability.
- Connect with local employers looking for reliable people like you.
- Pick up flexible work when you need it, close to home.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re keen to earn extra income while staying close to what matters, Ag Assist is the place to start. Whether it’s casual farm work, seasonal fruit picking, or lending a hand on the shearing team, there’s a side hustle waiting for you.
Sign up today and browse the Ag Assist job board to find flexible, rural jobs that fit your lifestyle. It’s never been easier to make a difference—for your wallet and your community.
