Job Description:
We are seeking a reliable, proactive Herdsperson for our herd of 180 crossbred cows, which calve year-round and are milked on 3 Lely robots. The herd is housed for most of the year with access to grazing when conditions allow. All replacements are reared on the farm, and there is also a beef enterprise consisting of calves from the dairy herd.
Job Details:
The primary role is to help with the day-to-day running of the dairy herd to ensure high levels of animal welfare and productivity. Maintaining good hygiene and working safely within the farm environment. You will be part of a small team and collaborate closely with the family to advance the herd and business. We aim to provide a good work-life balance in a role that will be rewarding to those with a passion for dairy farming.
Key Responsibilities:
· Monitor the health and general performance of the herd daily.
· Identify and treat sick animals and report problems promptly.
· Heat detection through the use of collars and Artificial Insemination.
· Monitor lameness within the herd and trim where required, liaising with a contracted trimmer for fortnightly routine trims.
· Working alongside the vet with fortnightly herd health checks and pregnancy scanning.
· Dry cows off as required with selective dry cow therapy.
· Administer medicines and vaccines to livestock and keep check on levels in stock.
· Monitor and assist with calving, for smooth transition of the cow and good start for each calf.
· Assist with calf feeding when required.
· Daily inputting of data into herd management software, including Uniform and Lely Horizon.
· Day-to-day maintenance and cleaning of the milking robots, sharing an on-call Rota.
· Yard duties including tractor scraping and cubicle bedding.
· Operation of a telehandler and ATV, and other tractor work where required.
· Setting up electric fences for strip grazing and monitoring/feeding young stock at grass.
· General farm maintenance.
Skills and Experience:
· Previous experience working with dairy cattle.
· Ability to use initiative and work independently.
· Good communication with managers and other employees.
· A passion for animal health and performance.
· Reliable and willing to work alternate weekends.
· At key seasonal times such as harvest, overtime may be required.
· Must hold a full, valid UK driving license.
Desirable, but training can be provided:
· DIY AI certificate.
· Foot-trimming certificate.
· Telehandler ticket.
· Experience of robotic milking systems.
Accommodation:
Accommodation can be provided in a 3-bedroom detached cottage with a spacious garden, located a couple of minutes away from the farm.
What we offer:
· 28 days' annual leave
· A small family-run environment with plenty of variety day-to-day.
· We’re happy to put the right candidates through appropriate training courses.
· An average standard working week of less than 50 hours to provide a good work-life balance.
· Salary between £ 31,000- £36,000 depending on experience, plus overtime.
Pay: £31,000.00-£36,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Housing allowance
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
