Main Purpose: The Herd Manager is responsible for supporting the day-to-day management of the dairy farm by leading daily operational activities, maintaining high standards of animal health and welfare, milk quality, pasture management, and farm maintenance. The Herd Manager works alongside the Farm Manager and 2IC, takes responsibility for allocated farm operations, and provides guidance and support to junior team members.
Responsible To: Farm Manager / 2IC
Skills and Attributes:
Reliable, honest, and self-motivated.
Practical and hands-on, with good attention to detail.
A team player who communicates clearly and works well under direction.
Willingness to take initiative and responsibility.
Committed to animal welfare, environmental care, and farm values.
A minimum of 2 years’ dairy farming experience in a similar role (herd manager / senior farm assistant or equivalent role) or a relevant level 4 (or higher) agricultural qualification.
Basic knowledge of pasture management, animal health, and farm systems.
Competence in operating farm vehicles and machinery (tractors, motorbikes, LUVs).
Ability to follow instructions and work independently when required.
Specific Responsibilities:
Milking and Milk Quality
Carry out milking efficiently and hygienically to meet processor requirements.
Maintain milk quality by following best practice hygiene and animal handling standards.
Monitor SCC, mastitis, and general udder health, reporting issues promptly.
Animal Health and Welfare
Monitor stock condition and behaviour, identifying and reporting health concerns.
Assist with calving, calf rearing, mating, and drying-off.
Administer animal health treatments as directed (drenching, vaccinating, etc.).
Ensure animal handling practices comply with welfare standards.
Identify animal health issues and take appropriate action in consultation with the Farm Manager.
Maintain accurate treatment records in accordance with industry and regulatory requirements.
Pasture and Feeding
Assist with pasture allocation and grazing management to optimise pasture utilisation.
Monitor pasture covers and report feed shortages or surpluses.
Assist with feed budgeting and supplementary feeding programmes.
Farm Maintenance and Machinery
Operate tractors, bikes, and machinery safely and responsibly.
Assist with maintenance of fences, water systems, effluent, and farm tracks.
Report machinery faults and carry out basic repairs.
Teamwork and Support
Support the Farm Manager and 2IC with daily operations.
Provide day-to-day guidance, coaching and support to Farm Assistants and relief staff.
Maintain a positive team culture, contributing to a safe and respectful workplace.
Compliance and Safety
Follow health and safety policies and safe work practices.
Ensure compliance with environmental and effluent management plans.
Keep accurate records when required (animal treatments, feed use, milk production).
Decision Making
Organise and complete daily tasks with minimal supervision.
Make routine decisions relating to stock movements, milking operations and farm maintenance.
Escalate significant animal health, machinery or operational issues to the Farm Manager.