Herd Manager

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Herd Manager to join our 330-cow dairy operation, to work with the Contract Milker and other farm staff. We are looking for someone who is keen to step up into the role or someone who already has experience. This could be an excellent opportunity for someone looking to further develop their career within the dairy industry in years to come.

Responsibilities

Manage the herd according to the Farm Policies, which include but are not limited to:

Managing the herd

·      Applying good animal husbandry, including monitoring and treating mastitis and lameness

·      Monitoring AllFlex collar information 

·      Managing spring calving, including assisting with difficult calving where required

·      Managing calf rearing

·      Assisting with breeding

·      Assisting with drying off

·      Vaccinating and teat sealing

·      Drenching

·      Lameness prevention

·      Upkeeping biosecurity

·      Helping to move stock to and from blocks  

·      And any other actions required to maintain the health and wellbeing of the herd

Daily duties

·      Carrying out milkings (twice a day in a 26 aside herringbone shed)

·      Operating the milking plant and equipment (such as the in-shed feeding system)

·      Operating and monitoring the effluent system

·      Shifting and maintaining irrigation (K lines)

·      Operating machinery

Managing pasture and grazing

·      Break feeding

·      Monitoring residuals and utilization

·      Applying fertilizer

·      Managing weeds

·      Feeding out and managing supplements, including helping to cover silage pits and returning help to cover silage pits on other farms

·      Managing cows on crop

Other

·      Keeping accurate records

·      General repairs and maintenance