Breeding Lead - Swine Production

Clemens Food Group; Everett (Bedford County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Clemens Food Group is seeking a Sow Breeding Lead to guide the breeding team and optimize sow productivity in a modern facility. You will train staff, manage schedules, and ensure high welfare standards in day-to-day operations.

Responsibilities include heat detection, pregnancy confirmation, and data-driven improvements while maintaining strict biosecurity and welfare policies. This role reports to the Sow Barn Manager in a hands-on environment.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a breeding team in livestock operations.
• Knowledge of heat detection, breeding timing, and pregnancy confirmation.
• Comfortable using data to drive improvements and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and train the breeding team with best-in-class techniques and efficiency.
• Oversee daily breeding barn operations including heat detection, timing, and pregnancy checks.
• Monitor barn systems such as ventilation and ESF to ensure animal welfare.

Skills

Leadership

Breeding techniques

Heat detection

Data-driven

Team training

Education

Associate degree or technical school degree preferred

5+ years livestock experience

Tools

Electronic Sow Feeding (ESF)

Ventilation systems

Hospital pens treatments

Job description

Are you passionate about animal care, team leadership, and continuous improvement? Join our progressive swine operation as a Sow Breeding Lead, where you'll play a critical role in driving sow productivity, mentoring a dedicated team, and upholding the highest standards of animal welfare.

In this leadership role, you'll train and guide the breeding team while working hands-on in a modern facility featuring Electronic Sow Feeding (ESF), open-pen gestation, industry-leading biosecurity, and a herd that is 50% antibiotic-free. You'll report directly to the Sow Barn Manager and help shape daily operations and long-term breeding success.

What You'll Do

• Lead and train the breeding team with a focus on best-in-class breeding techniques, efficiency, and attention to detail
• Oversee day-to-day breeding barn operations including heat detection, breeding timing, pregnancy confirmation, and animal movement
• Monitor barn systems including ventilation, watering, and electronic feed systems
• Manage sow condition scoring, cull selection, and non-productive days; develop and manage the ESF Push List
• Oversee sow health by monitoring hospital pens, coordinating treatments and vaccinations, and providing feedback to management
• Review production reports and use data to drive continuous improvement
• Project breeding schedules, order semen, and strategize to meet production targets
• Set team goals, assign daily tasks, manage time effectively, and hold team members accountable
• Ensure animal handling, welfare, and biosecurity policies are followed at all times

What We're Looking For

• Previous livestock management experience (swine preferred, but dairy, heifer, or poultry experience considered)
• Associate’s degree or technical school degree preferred OR 5+ years of relevant livestock experience
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to train, motivate, and hold a team accountable
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
• Ability to stand for most of the day and lift up to 50 lbs

Our Commitment to You

• A modern, forward-thinking operation with advanced technology
• A culture rooted in animal welfare, safety, and continuous improvement
• The opportunity to grow your leadership career in agriculture

Essential Functions

• Comply with all biosecurity, animal welfare, and safety policies
• Consistently demonstrate company Mission, Vision, and Values
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support barn operations

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Frequent movement throughout barns and production areas
• Regular lifting, bending, reaching, and animal handling
• Occasional ladder use and equipment maintenance
• Exposure to farm environments including noise, dust, temperature changes, and livestock

Agency Statement

Clemens Food Group does not accept unsolicited resumes from search or staffing firms. All resumes submitted by search or staffing firms to any employee at Clemens Food Group via email, the Internet, or directly without a valid written search agreement for this role, and without having been asked to participate in this by Talent Acquisition, will be deemed the sole property of Clemens Food Group, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired. Firms not authorized to submit candidates will not be eligible for any fee or ownership claim.

EEO Statement

It is the policy of Clemens Food Group to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. All employees are subject to a pre-employment screening process including a background check and drug screen. In addition, we will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing the application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to your recruiter.