Breeding Lead - Swine Production

Clemens Food Group; Ridgeville (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Clemens Food Group seeks a Sow Breeding Lead to drive sow productivity in a modern facility in Indiana. You will lead a breeding team hands-on, training members while upholding high animal welfare and biosecurity standards.

You will report to the Sow Barn Manager and shape daily operations, breeding schedules, and continuous improvement efforts in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Livestock management

Hands-on approach

Education

Associate's degree

Technical school degree

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

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.