FARM MANAGER - CATTLE

Farm Manager SA; Stutterheim; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Farm Manager SA in Eastern Cape seeks an experienced Farm Manager with a strong background in beef cattle and general farm operations. The role emphasizes managing cattle herds, staff, maintenance, and daily reporting.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate leadership, practical farming skills, and the ability to coordinate across multiple farm activities, ensuring efficient production and compliance with farm safety standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ beef cattle farming experience.
• Extensive experience in beef cattle and general farm management.
• Proven cattle herd and staff management experience.
• Practical knowledge of cattle inoculation, dipping, branding, dehorning, breeding and calving management.
• Knowledge of cattle health conditions and diseases; pregnancy testing is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Farm and livestock management across operations.
• Staff management and supervision.
• Farm maintenance and infrastructure oversight.
• Manage vehicles, machinery and equipment upkeep.
• Fire management and safety coordination.

Skills

Beef cattle management

Farm management

Staff management

Leadership

Communication

Daily reporting (WhatsApp)

Operating tractors and farm equipment

Diligence and self-motivation

Tools

Tractors

Farm vehicles

Farm machinery

Job description

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• At least three years’ experience within beef cattle farming
• Extensive, all-round experience in beef cattle management and general farm management.
• Proven experience managing cattle herds and farm staff.
• Practical knowledge and experience in:
  • Cattle inoculation
  • Dipping
  • Branding
  • Dehorning
  • Breeding management
  • Calving management
  • Cattle handling
  • Identifying sick animals
  • Identifying animals close to calving
  • Cattle counting and herd management
• Knowledge of common cattle health conditions and diseases, including redwater, heartwater and gallsickness, and an understanding of the appropriate action to take.
• Pregnancy testing (preg testing) experience is highly advantageous.
• Experience in general agricultural/farm management.

• Experience in diesel mechanics, including the ability to service and maintain:
• Tractors
• Farm vehicles
• Farm machinery
• Welding experience.
• Must be able to drive a tractor confidently and safely.
• Knowledge and experience of planting lands is advantageous.
• Code 10 driver's licence is preferred, or at minimum, proven ability and willingness to drive a truck.
• Experience with firebreaks and firefighting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with farm staff and management.
• Must be able to speak at least one of the following languages: isiXhosa (first choice) or Sesotho.
• Strong leadership and delegation skills.
• Must be able to establish and maintain a clear professional boundary between management and staff.
• Must be able to give clear instructions and ensure that those instructions are properly understood and carried out.
• Must be comfortable providing daily written updates and reports via WhatsApp.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED

• Strong leadership ability and confidence in managing people.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Takes initiative and does not wait to be told about every task that needs attention.
• Practical, hands‑on approach to farming and maintenance.
• Flexible and adaptable, understanding that farming does not operate according to a strict 9-to-5 schedule.
• Neat, organised and methodical in both work and working areas.
• Reliable and responsible.
• Able to prioritise tasks and manage multiple farms simultaneously.
• Willing to take instruction from the farm owner and able to accept, understand and implement instructions correctly.
• Strong sense of accountability and follow-through.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO

• Farm & Livestock Management
• Staff Management
• Farm Maintenance & Infrastructure
• Vehicles, Machinery & Equipment
• Fire Management
• Communication & Reporting
• General Farm Management

ONLY short-listed candidates will be contacted