[button color="accent-color" hover_text_color_override="#fff" size="small" url="/jobs-in-farming#vacancies" text="Back to all vacancies" color_override=""]Herd manager – Gillingham, DorsetWe are looking for someone to join our team at our progressive dairy farming business in Gillingham, Dorset!Our FarmOur family dairy farming business centres on our 550-cow Holstein Friesian dairy herd plus followers. Currently yielding 11,000 litres, the cows are milked 3x per day through a 40:40 parlour, supplying Wyke Farms on a liquid based contract. High yielding and fresh cows are housed all-year-round. Low yielding cows are grazed during the summer months. We have a clear focus on achieving the highest standards of animal health, welfare and performance. Cows are fed a full TMR. Excellent performance is supported by exceptional cow management and attention to detail in all areas. The farm and facilities are well maintained with modern farm buildings, equipment and machinery providing a clean environment to work in.The RoleAs a Herd Manager, your role will be to manage the day-to-day running of the dairy herd and take full control of the farm while the Farm owner is away. Other roles and responsibilities will include:
* Full responsibility for the management of the team and dairy unit, alongside the herd owner
* To supervise the day-to-day management of the herd, ensuring animal welfare is the top priority and milking the herd once a day
* Identification and prompt treatment of sick livestock.
* Dairy herd record keeping and data reporting through Uniform.
* Managing foot health, including generating lists for routine weekly foot trimming visits.
* Liaise with the Farm owner to achieve agreed KPIs, financial budgets, and herd targets
* Taking full responsibility for dry cow management, calving cows and colostrum protocols
* Assist in general stock and dairy duties as required (scraping, bedding and feeding).
* Keeping the farm tidy & safe to operate. Adhering to health and safety regulations at all times
Qualifications & Licenses required
* A full UK Driving license
* Proof of UK right to work
* Foot trimming qualification
* AI Qualification is preferred
You will:
* Be someone who is passionate about cows and who is motivated, enthusiastic and committed to achieving high standards.
* Have previous experience in dairy management, alongside strong people skills, being able to effectively communicate and manage the team.
* Attitude is more important than experience, we are looking for someone who is aligned with our core values and behaviours. We actively encourage participation in training and development.
* Be reliable with good timekeeping and tidiness
Benefits
* Competitive salary
* A 3-bed house is available with double glazing, central heating a garage and close to nearby schools.
* A role where you can develop your career with given training and support
LocationOur farm is based in the village of East Stour, Gillingham, North Dorset. With excellent local schools, leisure, entertainment, pubs and bus routes nearby.If you think you can help us as a Herd Manager, then please get in touch! #J-18808-Ljbffr