Herd Manager

LKL Services Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A modern dairy farm in south Leicestershire is looking for a passionate individual to join their team. The role involves managing milking processes, overseeing herd and beef unit operations, and ensuring high levels of animal welfare. The ideal candidate will have relevant qualifications and experience in dairy farming as well as strong team management skills. A competitive salary is offered alongside accommodation in a beautiful rural setting.

Benefits

Competitive salary

On-farm accommodation

Qualifications

• Full UK Driving Licence is required.
• Proof of right to work in the UK is mandatory.
• Foot trimming qualification preferred.
• AI qualification is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily milking and team responsibilities.
• Supervise animal welfare and herd management.
• Oversee beef finishing unit and vaccination policy.
• Engage in dairy herd record keeping.

Skills

Experience in dairy farming

Team management

Animal welfare knowledge

Foot trimming

AI qualification

Job description

We are looking for someone to join our progressive team at our green field site dairy farm in south Leicestershire!

The business centres around our Spring / Autumn block calved 400-cow Holstein Friesian dairy herd plus followers. Cows are milked 2 x per day through a 25:50 parlour, on a premium milk contract. The recently installed parlour has ADF, Auto ID, parlour feeders and auto shedding. The cows are grazed for as long as is practical and the weather permits. We have a clear focus on achieving the highest standards of animal health, milk from forage, animal welfare and performance. Cows are fed a full TMR when housed. The farm and facilities are well maintained with modern farm buildings, equipment and machinery. We continue to invest in the dairy.

The Role:

You will be working alongside the farm manager, two herds people and reliefs to achieve the best results for the staff, the dairy and the farm.

Other roles and responsibilities will include:

• Regular milking.
• Responsibility for the management of the team and dairy unit, alongside the farm manager.
• To supervise the day-to-day management of the herd, ensuring animal welfare is the top priority.
• Oversee the beef growing / finishing unit
• Implementing the vaccination policy.
• Implementing agreed protocols and ensuring protocols are followed.
• Dairy herd record keeping and data reporting through Uniform and Crystal.
• Managing foot health, including generating lists for routine foot trimming visits.
• Engage with the farm manager and external consultants/vets to achieve agreed KPIs, financial budgets, and herd targets.
• Taking full responsibility for dry cow management, calving cows and colostrum protocols
• Assist in general stock and dairy duties as required (scraping, bedding and feeding).
• Keeping the farm tidy and safe to operate.

You will be someone who enjoys milking cows and looks to get the best out of them and understands modern dairy cows and systems.

Engage in local discussion groups.

Plate metering at grazing time.

What we require:

• A full UK Driving Licence.
• Proof of right to work in UK.
• Foot trimming qualification preferred.
• AI qualification essential for this role.
• An appetite for success.

Benefits:

A very competitive salary.

We have an excellent on farm 3-bedroom house available with double glazing, central heating, and a good garden set in a lovely part of the countryside, close to shops, schools and local amenities.

If you are a dairy enthusiast and would like to be involved with this progressive unit, we can offer the necessary encouragement and support to enable you to have a significant impact on this committed dairy business.

For an informal discussion please call Rob Stephenson on 07557 920255.

*No overseas applicants without a work visa*

For a full list of our current vacancies please visit our website at www.lklservices.co.uk