Herd Manager Position - R D Hodge and Son
*This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.*
Location: Hampshire/Berkshire Border, 5 miles from Junction 12 of the M4
Salary Package: £46,000 per year + 28 days holiday per year + 3 bedroom house
Working Hours: The rota is 11 days on 3 days off
Farm Size: 210 Holstein Friesian and Swedish Red cross cows
Housing: Sand-bedded cubicles, 3 distinct cow groups based on yield
Milking Parlour: 20/20 parlour with ADF technology
Feeding System: Total Mixed Ration (TMR), year-round with seasonal grazing
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Team Management: Lead and manage a team of farm workers, ensuring smooth and efficient operations throughout the day. Provide ongoing training and support to team members.
Milking and Animal Care: Oversee the milking of 210 cows, ensuring all procedures adhere to high standards of hygiene and animal welfare. Utilize the 20/20 milking parlour with Automatic Cluster Removers (ADF) for optimal milking efficiency.
Animal Welfare and Monitoring: Maintain the highest level of animal welfare standards, with a strong focus on comfort, health, and productivity. Ensure all cows are housed in sand-bedded cubicles and have access to grazing during the summer months, while continuing to receive TMR feed year-round.
Feeding and Nutrition: Manage the cows’ nutrition, ensuring the TMR is balanced to meet the nutritional needs of each cow group, tailored to their yield and production stage.
Artificial Insemination (AI): Perform AI as required, ensuring high conception rates and effective breeding strategies.
Health Management: Implement regular health checks, including foot trimming, and oversee the use of technology such as the Smaxtec bolus system for health and heat alerts. Work with veterinary professionals to address any health concerns or issues.
Data Management: Input and maintain accurate farm records using Uniform software. Track and analyze herd performance, health data, and breeding results to improve efficiency and productivity.
Continuous Improvement: Work with management to identify and implement improvements to herd management practices, including the use of technology and best practices in dairy farming.
Slurry Management: Oversee the operation of the newly installed slurry separator to ensure environmental best practices are followed and contribute to farm sustainability.
Farm Location and Accommodation:
Proximity to Amenities: The farm is located just 5 miles from Junction 12 of the M4, making it easily accessible from surrounding areas. Local shops, schools, and other amenities are only 2 miles away.
Accommodation: A three-bedroom semi-detached house is available for the Herd Manager, located just 100 meters from the farm. This offers a comfortable and convenient living arrangement close to the workplace.
Qualifications and Experience:
Proven experience in herd management, ideally with Holstein Friesians or similar breeds.
Strong knowledge of animal welfare standards, milking procedures, and herd health management.
Experience with AI, foot trimming, and use of farm management software (Uniform software experience is advantageous).
A proactive approach to leadership and team management, with the ability to inspire and train farm workers.
Familiarity with advanced farm technologies, including heat and health monitoring systems (e.g., Smaxtec bolus), is desirable.
Ability to make data-driven decisions to improve herd productivity and welfare.
Why Join R D Hodge and Son?
We are a forward-thinking, family-run farm that values attention to detail and the well-being of our animals. As a supplier to M&S, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards in animal welfare, sustainability, and milk production. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a modern, well-equipped dairy farm with a supportive team and opportunities for growth.
How to Apply:
Please click on the APPLY NOW button to submit your application.
Keywords:
Herd Manager, Herd Management, Herd Jobs, Farming Jobs, Farm Jobs, Agri FJ, Agricultural Recruitment, Agricultural and Farming Jobs.
