New Job Opportunity - Herd Manager
Location: Hampshire/Berkshire Border
Salary: £46,000 per year + 28 days holiday + 3-bedroom house
About the Company:
RD Hodge and Son is a forward-thinking, family-run farm committed to animal welfare, sustainability, and milk production. As a supplier to M&S, we pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards in all aspects of our operation.
Job Role:
We are seeking a Herd Manager to join our modern, well-equipped dairy farm. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking for growth within a supportive team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership and Team Management: Lead and manage a team of farm workers, ensuring efficient daily operations. Provide training and support to team members.
- Milking and Animal Care: Oversee the milking of 210 cows using the 20/20 milking parlour with Automatic Cluster Removers (ADF) to ensure high standards of hygiene and animal welfare.
- Animal Welfare and Monitoring: Maintain top animal welfare standards with a focus on cow comfort, health, and productivity. Ensure cows are housed in sand-bedded cubicles and have grazing access in summer, alongside year-round TMR feed.
- Feeding and Nutrition: Manage balanced TMR feeding to meet the nutritional needs of each cow group, tailored to their yield and production stage.
- Artificial Insemination (AI): Perform AI as needed to ensure high conception rates and effective breeding strategies.
- Health Management: Conduct regular health checks, including foot trimming, and utilize technology like the Smaxtec bolus system for health and heat alerts. Collaborate with veterinarians on any health concerns.
- Data Management: Use Uniform software to maintain accurate farm records and track herd performance, health data, and breeding results.
- Continuous Improvement: Work with management to identify and implement improvements in herd management practices, leveraging technology and best practices.
- Slurry Management: Oversee the newly installed slurry separator to ensure environmental best practices are followed and contribute to farm sustainability.
If you're passionate about animal welfare, efficiency, and working with a supportive team, we encourage you to apply.