Herd Manager

We are looking for someone to join our progressive team at our green field site dairy farm in Theddingworth, nr Market Harborough, Leicestershire!

The business centres around our Spring / Autumn block calved 400-cow Holstein Friesian dairy herd, plus followers. Cows are milked 2 x per day through a 25:50 parlour, on a premium milk contract. The recently installed parlour has ADF, auto ID, parlour feeders and auto shedding. The cows are grazed for as long as is practical and the weather permits. We have a clear focus on achieving the highest standards of animal health, milk from forage, animal welfare and performance. Cows are fed a full TMR when housed. The farm and facilities are well maintained with modern farm buildings, equipment and machinery. We continue to invest in the dairy.

The Role:

You will be working alongside the farm manager, two herds people and reliefs to achieve the best results for the staff, the dairy and the farm.

Other roles and responsibilities will include:

1. Regular milking.
2. Responsibility for the management of the team and dairy unit, alongside the farm manager.
3. To supervise the day-to-day management of the herd, ensuring animal welfare is the top priority.
4. Implementing the vaccination policy.
5. Implementing agreed protocols and ensuring protocols are followed.
6. Dairy herd record keeping and data reporting through Uniform and Crystal.
7. Managing foot health, including generating lists for routine foot trimming visits.
8. Engage with the farm manager and external consultants/vets to achieve agreed KPIs, financial budgets, and herd targets.
9. Taking full responsibility for dry cow management, calving cows and colostrum protocols.
10. Assist in general stock and dairy duties as required (scraping, bedding and feeding).
11. Keeping the farm tidy and safe to operate.

You will be someone who enjoys milking cows and looks to get the best out of them and understands modern dairy cows and systems.

What we require:

1. A full UK Driving license.
2. Proof of right to work in UK.
3. Foot trimming qualification preferred.
4. AI Qualification essential for this role.
5. An appetite for success.

You will:

1. Be passionate about cows, motivated, enthusiastic and committed to achieving high standards.
2. Have previous experience in dairy management, alongside strong people skills, being able to effectively communicate and manage the team.
3. Have a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude - we are looking for someone who is aligned with our core values and behaviours. We actively encourage participation in training and development.
4. Be reliable, with good timekeeping and tidiness.
5. Be a hands-on manager who is willing to lead by example.
6. Have a good sense of humour.

Benefits:

A very competitive salary.

We have an excellent on farm 3-bed house available with double glazing, central heating, and a good garden set in a lovely part of the countryside. Close to shops, schools and local amenities.

If you are a dairy enthusiast and would like to be involved with this progressive unit, we can offer the necessary encouragement and support to enable you to have a significant impact on this committed dairy business.

For an informal conversation, please ring Rob Stephenson on 07557 920255.

*No overseas applicants without a work visa*