WORCESTERSHIRE - 2009-2016

Herd manager 250 Cows. I moved to upper smite farm where I was responsible for 250 cows, this was quite a step up for me but felt confident on moving forwards. I was responsible for the day to day running of the dairy unit which included me milking 2x day, footrimming, DIY AI, calvings, all other stock related tasks, ordering feed, medicines, chemicals etc. BCMS passport registration for calves, movements etc., pedigree registrations. I have also undertaken a lot of different courses / vet meetings (selective dry cow therapy, johnes, bvd, interherd and interherd plus, fullwood crystal). TMR feeding through Keenan.

SHROPSHIRE - Oct 2016 Present

Head Herdsman 1000cows. Working under the Herdmanager ,initially 700 cows when I first started the farm it was under going expansion with new cubicle sheds and parlour now running 1000 cows with around 12 members of staff covering various shifts(3x/day milking) with 2-4 people milking depending on shift. AYR calving on a Tesco milk contract, my main duties are;

Heading the milking operation through 72point GEA rotary which includes some milkings when required, mastitis /scc /bactoscan management.

Majority of the AI, some emergency foot trimming (foot trimming visits weekly)

Fresh Cow management (daily temp checks up to 10days in milk, BHB and uterus check at 5days in milk, pumping and treating cows as required)

Calving assistance as required, all heifer calves are reared externally and come back to the farm 2 weeks to calving.

General Herd health care, diagnosis and treatment of sick cows where possible without vet intervention.

Use of the DP21 Herd management software, alongside with Bovisync for the last 2yrs