FARM MANAGER – CATTLE – FM2671

Farm Manager SA; Oos-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Farm Manager SA is seeking a capable Farm Manager in the Stutterheim area of the Eastern Cape to oversee cattle operations, staff, maintenance and daily reporting. The role requires hands-on farming expertise, leadership, and the ability to manage multiple tasks across the farm.

Applicants should have several years of beef cattle experience, familiarity with herd health and breeding, and the ability to drive a tractor.

Qualifications

• 3+ years beef cattle farming experience.
• Extensive, all-round beef cattle and farm management experience.
• Proven ability to manage cattle herds and farm staff.
• Practical skills: cattle inoculation, dipping, branding, dehorning, breeding and calving management.
• Knowledge of cattle health conditions (redwater, heartwater, gallsickness).
• Pregnancy testing experience is advantageous.
• Diesel mechanics experience for servicing tractors, vehicles and machinery.
• Proficiency in driving a tractor; Code 10 licence preferred.
• Strong leadership, clear instructions, and daily written updates via WhatsApp.

Responsibilities

• Farm & Livestock Management across operations.
• Staff Management and development of farm personnel.
• Farm maintenance, infrastructure, and equipment upkeep.
• Vehicle, machinery and equipment management.
• Effective communication and regular reporting to owner.
• General farm management and oversight of daily activities.

Skills

Beef cattle farming

Farm staff management

Cattle herd management

Diesel mechanics

Tractors

Vehicle maintenance

Welding

Code 10 driver's licence

Leadership & communication

Language: isiXhosa / Sesotho

Job description

Stutterheim area, Eastern Cape Province – South Africa: This family run operation seeks to employ a Farm Manager.

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,
• 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 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 & 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.
• Communication & Reporting.
• General Farm Management.