Commercial Cattle Farm Manager

One Connect Solutions; Ermelo; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

One Connect Solutions in Ermelo, Mpumalanga, seeks an experienced Farm Manager to lead cattle breeding programmes, select stock based on pedigree and performance, and oversee artificial insemination and natural breeding operations.

The role requires practical beef cattle experience, strong genetics knowledge and herd health management, plus proven skills in record-keeping, staff supervision and day-to-day farm operations on a grazing property.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Agriculture, Animal Science, Animal Production or a related agricultural field.
• Minimum 2 years’ relevant experience in cattle breeding and/or commercial beef cattle management.
• Experience with artificial insemination and/or cattle reproductive management.
• Strong knowledge of cattle breeding, reproduction, genetics and animal husbandry.
• Sound knowledge of herd health, vaccinations, parasite control and disease prevention.
• Experience with calving and calf management.
• Good cattle record-keeping and data-management skills.
• Previous staff supervision or team-management experience.
• Strong practical farm-management and problem-solving abilities.
• Comfortable working outdoors and day-to-day cattle operations.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage and execute cattle breeding programmes aimed at improving herd quality and genetic performance.
• Select suitable bulls and cows for breeding based on pedigree, performance, conformation and breeding objectives.
• Manage artificial insemination (AI) and natural breeding programmes.
• Manage reproductive cycles, heat/oestrus detection, pregnancy monitoring and calving.
• Implement oestrus synchronisation programmes where required.
• Monitor conception, calving and reproductive performance.
• Manage calf health and development from birth through to weaning.
• Implement and monitor comprehensive herd health programmes, including vaccinations, dosing, parasite control and disease prevention.
• Monitor cattle health and work closely with veterinarians where necessary.
• Manage animal nutrition, feeding programmes, grazing and general cattle welfare.
• Maintain accurate cattle records, including identification, pedigree, breeding history, health and performance information.
• Use herd records and performance information to support breeding and management decisions.
• Support genetic improvement initiatives and maintain the genetic integrity and quality of the herd.
• Manage pastures, camps, pens, feeding areas, water infrastructure and other cattle facilities.
• Lead, supervise and allocate duties to farm workers, herders and support staff.
• Ensure effective daily farm operations, maintenance, cleanliness and biosecurity.
• Assist with the preparation, marketing and sale of cattle and genetics where required.
• Liaise with veterinarians, breeders, suppliers and other agricultural stakeholders.

Skills

Cattle breeding

Reproduction

Genetics

Animal husbandry

Artificial insemination

Herd health

Calving management

Record-keeping

Staff supervision

Farm management

Outdoor work

Education

Diploma or Degree in Agriculture, Animal Science, Animal Production or related field

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, manage and execute cattle breeding programmes aimed at improving herd quality and genetic performance.
• Select suitable bulls and cows for breeding based on pedigree, performance, conformation and breeding objectives.
• Manage artificial insemination (AI) and natural breeding programmes.
• Manage reproductive cycles, heat/oestrus detection, pregnancy monitoring and calving.
• Implement oestrus synchronisation programmes where required.
• Monitor conception, calving and reproductive performance.
• Manage calf health and development from birth through to weaning.
• Implement and monitor comprehensive herd health programmes, including vaccinations, dosing, parasite control and disease prevention.
• Monitor cattle health and work closely with veterinarians where necessary.
• Manage animal nutrition, feeding programmes, grazing and general cattle welfare.
• Maintain accurate cattle records, including identification, pedigree, breeding history, health and performance information.
• Use herd records and performance information to support breeding and management decisions.
• Support genetic improvement initiatives and maintain the genetic integrity and quality of the herd.
• Manage pastures, camps, pens, feeding areas, water infrastructure and other cattle facilities.
• Lead, supervise and allocate duties to farm workers, herders and support staff.
• Ensure effective daily farm operations, maintenance, cleanliness and biosecurity.
• Assist with the preparation, marketing and sale of cattle and genetics where required.
• Liaise with veterinarians, breeders, suppliers and other agricultural stakeholders.

Minimum Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Agriculture, Animal Science, Animal Production or a related agricultural field.
• Minimum 2 years’ relevant experience in cattle breeding and/or commercial beef cattle management.
• Practical experience managing beef cattle; Boran experience will be advantageous but is not essential.
• Strong knowledge of cattle breeding, reproduction, genetics and animal husbandry.
• Experience with artificial insemination and/or cattle reproductive management.
• Sound knowledge of herd health, vaccinations, parasite control and disease prevention.
• Experience with calving and calf management.
• Good cattle record-keeping and data-management skills.
• Previous staff supervision or team-management experience.
• Strong practical farm-management and problem-solving abilities.
• Comfortable working outdoors and being actively involved in day-to-day cattle operations.

Advantageous Experience

• Experience with Boran, Bonsmara, Brahman, Afrikaner, Angus, Simbra, Simmental or other beef cattle/stud breeds, as well as pedigree management, genetic selection, oestrus synchronisation, pregnancy detection and performance-based breeding selection, will be advantageous.