Dairy Herd Manager
Dobcross Hall, Carlisle, Cumbria
750-Cow Herd | Modern, Well-Invested Dairy | Progressive Farming Business
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Dairy Herd Manager to join our progressive dairy farming business at Dobcross Hall, just outside Carlisle, Cumbria. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who takes pride in herd health, fertility, cow welfare and performance, and who wants to play an important role within a well-established and highly skilled team.
Working alongside the farm owners and wider management team, you will have responsibility for the day-to-day management of the herd and will play a key role in maintaining and improving herd performance and milk quality.
The Farm
- 750-cow all-year-round calving herd
- Average herd yield of approximately 12,000 litres
- Three-times-a-day milking through a 60-point GEA rotary
- Modern, well-invested and efficient facilities
- High standards of cow welfare, herd health and milk quality
- Milk supplied on an Arla Asda-aligned contract
The Role
The Dairy Herd Manager will take a leading role in the day-to-day management of the herd, with particular responsibility for:
- Managing herd health, fertility and breeding programmes, using Uniform Agri
- Monitoring herd performance and identifying opportunities for improvement
- Managing dry cows, calving cows and transition groups
- Overseeing breeding performance and working closely with the veterinary and breeding teams
- AI experience would be an advantage
- Foot trimming experience would also be beneficial
- Taking an active role in the milking rota
- Leading and supporting the day team, ensuring daily tasks are completed to a high standard
- Maintaining high standards of cow care, cleanliness and welfare
- Accurate recording and monitoring of herd information
- Working as part of the wider farm team to achieve the business's production and performance targets
- Helping to maintain a safe, clean and efficient working environment
The role will involve milking every other weekend, together with normal day-to-day herd management responsibilities.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Has proven experience in dairy herd management and livestock husbandry
- Has a genuine interest in cows and achieving high standards of herd performance
- Is confident working independently and making decisions
- Is a strong team player who is willing to get involved and lead by example
- Has a proactive, positive and can-do attitude
- Has good attention to detail and takes pride in their work
- Is comfortable working with herd management data and technology
- Has AI and/or foot trimming experience — beneficial but not essential
- Is keen to continue learning and developing their skills
- Is confident communicating with colleagues, vets, consultants and other farm visitors
We regularly welcome school and educational visits to the farm, so being comfortable talking to visitors and explaining modern dairy farming would be an advantage.
This position would also suit an ambitious individual who wants to develop their career within a large-scale, progressive dairy business.
A full driving licence and the right to work in the UK are essential. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary, depending on experience and ability
- Structured working pattern designed to provide a good work-life balance
- Approximately 55 hours per week, normal working hours- 5am to 4.30pm.
- 10 days on / 4 days off
- One full day off each week
- Every other weekend off
- Supportive and experienced farm team
- Opportunities for training, development and career progression
- Modern facilities and well-invested equipment
- Accommodation available for the right candidate
- Excellent local schools and the benefits of living in a rural location close to Carlisle
Interested?
If you are an experienced dairy herd manager looking for the opportunity to become an important part of a progressive, well-invested and ambitious dairy business, we would be very pleased to hear from you.
For an informal discussion and the position, please contact Ian Holliday on 07809 369631 or via email @ [email protected]
All applications will be treated in confidence.
Work Location: In person
