Sparsholt Campus, Winchester

Subsidised onsite accommodation available

Competitive salary (dependent on experience – includes contractual overtime)

Full-time

Our client is looking for a passionate and experienced head herdsperson to join our innovative College Farm at Garstons. This is a fantastic opportunity to manage a progressive dairy and beef herd while helping train and inspire the next generation of agricultural professionals.

Working closely with the farm manager, you will take day-to-day responsibility for herd management, livestock performance, and supporting students gaining hands-on farming experience.

If you’re motivated by high standards of animal welfare, progressive farming, and developing future talent, we’d love to hear from you.

The Role:

You will lead the day-to-day management of the dairy and beef herd, ensuring high standards of livestock husbandry, milk production, and farm performance.

Key Responsibilities:

Herd Management

• Manage daily livestock routines and farm operations


• Maintain the highest standards of animal welfare and husbandry


• Oversee calf rearing and youngstock development


• Monitor herd health and implement herd health plans with the vet


• Manage mastitis control, fertility, tagging, and disease prevention

Milking & Milk Quality

• Oversee milking using conventional and robotic systems


• Maintain hygiene standards in line with Milking & Hygiene Regulations


• Monitor milk quality and ensure milk is ready for collection

Feed & Grazing Management

• Ensure consistent feed availability for the herd


• Monitor feed budgets and forage supplies


• Manage grazing and grass measurement


• Coordinate silage production and cropping plans

Breeding & Calving

• Manage fertility and breeding programmes


• Monitor dry cows and calving cows


• Conduct night checks as part of the rota


• Ensure calves receive adequate colostrum within 4 hours

Team & Student Support

• Support the organisation of farm staff and student duties


• Mentor and guide learners during practical farm work


• Communicate with academic staff regarding learner performance

Farm Operations

• Maintain machinery and equipment


• Oversee maintenance of dairy units, buildings, fencing and infrastructure


• Maintain farm assurance records and operational reports

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone who is:

✔ Experienced in dairy herd management

✔ Passionate about animal welfare and progressive farming

✔ Confident working with milking systems (conventional and robotic)

✔ Able to mentor students and support staff

✔ Organised with strong record-keeping and farm management skills

Why Join Us?

You’ll become part of a forward-thinking agricultural college farm committed to innovation, sustainability and education.

College Benefits

• Generous pension scheme


• Free on-site parking


• Subsidised onsite accommodation


• Occupational sick pay & maternity pay


• Employee Assistance Programme


• Free on-campus gym


• Access to CPD training and professional qualifications


• Discounted campus services and produce


• On-site food outlets and nursery

Make a Difference

This role is about more than herd management. It’s an opportunity to share your expertise and help shape the future of agriculture.

For an informal discussion regarding the vacancy please call

*No overseas applicants without a work visa*