Simratpal Singh has extensive experience in the dairy farming industry, with over seven years working across various farms in New Zealand. His expertise includes animal health and welfare, farm operations, staff management, and environmental sustainability practices. He has held roles as a **Second in Charge (2IC)** and **Herd Manager**, demonstrating strong leadership by overseeing teams, assigning tasks, and managing day-to-day farm operations to ensure productivity and efficiency.
Simratpal is skilled in operating dairy systems of different sizes, including:
- **Milking Operations**: Managed large-scale milking operations with experience in both rotary and herringbone sheds, handling up to 700 cows on a 200-hectare farm.
- **Feed and Pasture Management**: Skilled in optimizing pasture growth, implementing nutrient management programs, and supplementary feeding to maintain cow health year-round.
- **Animal Health**: Proficient in preventing and treating common dairy cattle issues, such as mastitis, lameness, and metabolic diseases, and implementing effective calf-rearing practices.
- **Environmental and Compliance Management**: Committed to minimizing environmental impacts by monitoring effluent systems, conducting weed and pest control, and adhering to health and safety regulations.
His technical skills are complemented by his proficiency with farm management software like MINDA, GrazeCalc, Dairy Diary, and Halter, supporting detailed record-keeping and efficient farm management. Simratpal is highly reliable, well-organized, and adaptable, making him a valuable asset to any dairy farming team aiming to maximize operational success and sustainability.
### Work Experience Summary
Simratpal Singh has progressed through various roles in dairy farming, demonstrating strong expertise in farm management, team leadership, and animal welfare. His work experience spans multiple responsibilities across farms in New Zealand, particularly focusing on maximizing farm productivity and implementing sustainable practices.
1. **Second in Charge (2IC) - Holmes Farm, Matamata (June 2023 – Feb 2024); H & H Dairies, Reporoa (June 2020 – June 2023)**
- Managed the day-to-day operations for farms with up to 700 cows, using both rotary (54-bail) and herringbone (40-aside) milking systems.
- Oversaw pasture and feed management on farms with up to 200 hectares of effective area, ensuring optimal productivity and cow health through seasonal feeding strategies.
- Directed and trained junior and relief staff, assigned daily tasks, and managed rosters, supporting an organized and efficient team.
- Performed animal health management duties, including the treatment and prevention of mastitis, lameness, and other common conditions.
2. **Herd Manager - Clearview Farm Pvt Ltd, Reporoa (June 2019 – June 2020)**
- Conducted milking operations and farm management on a 160-hectare farm with a herd of 450 cows.
- Provided supplementary feeding, such as maize and grass silage, in-shed Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE), maintaining a sustainable feed regimen.
- Assisted with various farm duties, from pasture walks and weed control to calf rearing and irrigation management, ensuring a well-rounded farm operation.
3. **Dairy Farm Assistant - Clearview Farm Pvt Ltd, Reporoa (June 2017 – June 2019)**
- Supported day-to-day farm operations, focusing on milking, basic machinery maintenance, and pasture management on a system 3 farm.
- Gained hands-on experience in farm practices, preparing him for progressively advanced roles in dairy farm management.
Through these roles, Simratpal has developed a comprehensive understanding of the dairy farming lifecycle, from animal care and feed management to team leadership and environmental sustainability, consistently driving productivity while adhering to industry standards.
### Qualification Summary
Simratpal Singh possesses strong qualifications in dairy farm management, animal welfare, and sustainable agricultural practices, backed by formal education and hands-on experience. His educational background and professional certifications provide him with a well-rounded foundation to manage dairy farm operations effectively and responsibly.
1. **Formal Education and Certifications**
- **Diploma in Business Management (Level 7)** - NTEC, Tauranga: Provides him with valuable management and planning skills, enabling him to oversee farm operations and make informed business decisions.
- **NZC in Dairy Livestock Feeding (Level 3)** - Primary ITO: Developed advanced skills in livestock nutrition, ensuring efficient feeding strategies to maintain herd health and productivity.
- **NZC in Agriculture (Milk Harvesting) (Level 3)** and **NZC in Dairy Livestock Husbandry (Level 3)**: These certifications have equipped him with critical knowledge in milk production, animal care, and farm operations.
- **NZC Dairy (Level 4)**: Expanded his expertise in dairy farm practices, preparing him for leadership roles and effective farm management.
2. **Technical Skills and Software Proficiency**
- **Farm Management Software**: Proficient in MINDA, GrazeCalc, Dairy Diary, Halter, and Allflex, enabling him to maintain detailed farm records, monitor herd health, and manage feeding schedules.
- **Machinery and Equipment Handling**: Skilled in the operation and maintenance of essential farm equipment, including tractors, motorbikes, ATVs, and effluent spreader systems, ensuring safe and efficient daily operations.
3. **Practical Farm Management Skills**
- **Animal Health and Welfare**: In-depth knowledge of dairy cow health issues such as mastitis, lameness, and metabolic disorders, with hands-on experience in prevention and treatment.
- **Pasture and Feed Management**: Proficient in pasture growth management, feed planning, and implementation of nutrient management programs to sustain high-quality milk production.
- **Environmental and Compliance Standards**: Experience in best practices for effluent management, weed and pest control, and compliance with health and safety protocols.
Simratpal’s qualifications, combined with his practical experience, make him well-equipped to handle various aspects of dairy farming, ensuring productivity, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.