Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Dairy Farm Manager to oversee the health, productivity, and general well-being of our dairy cattle. The ideal candidate will have strong veterinary expertise, a deep understanding of farm management, and a passion for ensuring high standards of animal care and productivity. In this role, the Dairy Farm Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the farm, taking a proactive approach to improving herd health, managing breeding programs, optimizing nutrition, and fostering a culture of continuous learning through staff training. By seamlessly integrating these areas, the Manager will ensure the farm operates efficiently, prioritizing both animal welfare and farm productivity while maintaining a safe and thriving environment.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Animal Health Care
- Diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, and other health conditions in dairy cattle, ensuring timely and accurate care.
- Perform regular health checks and clinical assessments to facilitate early detection and effective treatment.
- Administer vaccinations, medications, and other treatments as needed, adhering to best practices and veterinary guidelines.
2. Preventative Care
- Develop and implement herd health programs to prevent diseases and infections, enhancing overall herd performance and welfare.
- Monitor and manage biosecurity protocols to maintain a disease-free environment and minimize risks of contamination.
- Conduct routine deworming, hoof care, and other preventative measures to ensure optimal cattle health and well-being.
3. Reproductive Management
- Oversee artificial insemination (AI) and natural breeding programs, optimizing genetic potential within the herd to improve productivity.
- Diagnose and manage reproductive disorders, ensuring continued fertility and overall productivity of the herd.
- Monitor and assist with the calving process, providing neonatal care to ensure the health and survival of calves.
4. Nutrition and Productivity
- Collaborate with nutritionists to develop and optimize feeding programs that support healthy growth, reproduction, and milk production.
- Monitor milk production levels, implementing strategies to enhance both yield and quality while prioritizing animal welfare.
- Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of feeding programs and make necessary adjustments to maximize overall performance.
5. Record Keeping and Reporting
- Maintain detailed, accurate medical and production records for all animals, ensuring compliance with regulatory and farm standards.
- Prepare and submit regular health, breeding, and productivity reports to senior management to keep them informed of farm performance.
- Utilize data to identify trends, pinpoint areas for improvement, and highlight any issues requiring attention.
6. Training and Education
- Educate farm staff on best practices in animal handling, health monitoring, and hygiene protocols.
- Conduct workshops or training sessions to promote continuous learning, improving staff knowledge and efficiency.
- Foster a culture of care, responsibility, and continuous improvement on the farm.
7. Emergency Care
- Respond promptly to emergency situations, including injuries, calving difficulties, and disease outbreaks.
- Perform necessary surgical procedures or interventions to ensure the health and safety of the animals.
- Make critical decisions during emergencies, coordinating with external veterinarians or specialists when required.
8. Compliance and Safety
- Ensure all farm operations comply with local veterinary regulations, health and safety guidelines, and farm policies.
- Promote a culture of workplace safety, ensuring all farm staff adhere to safety protocols.
- Conduct routine inspections and audits to maintain high farm standards and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
Required Qualifications and Skills:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science, or a related field.
- Proven experience (minimum of 5 years) in dairy farm management or a related veterinary field.
- Strong veterinary skills with experience in herd health management.
- Experience with artificial insemination, breeding programs, and reproductive health management.
- Knowledge of nutrition, feeding programs, and milk production optimization.
- Excellent record-keeping, reporting, and data analysis skills.
- Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to train and motivate staff.
- Ability to work under pressure and respond effectively in emergency situations.
- Strong commitment to animal welfare and biosecurity.
We look forward to finding a dedicated Dairy Farm Manager who is passionate about animal welfare and committed to driving excellence on our farm!