About the Role

We are looking for an experienced, motivated and responsible Herdsperson / Farm Manager to join and take an active role in the day-to-day management of our organic dairy farm.

The successful candidate will have a genuine passion for dairy farming, high standards of animal welfare and a strong understanding of organic farming practices. This is a hands-on role, combining herd management, milking, youngstock care, grassland management, farm maintenance and general farm operations, with responsibility for ensuring the herd and farm are managed to a consistently high standard.

The role would suit someone who is confident working independently, takes pride in their work and is capable of planning tasks and organising farm staff while working closely with the farm owner.

Key Responsibilities

Herd Management

•Day-to-day management and care of the dairy herd.

•Maintaining high standards of animal health, welfare and cleanliness.

•Monitoring cows closely for signs of illness, lameness, mastitis, calving difficulties and other health issues.

•Managing calving and ensuring cows and calves receive appropriate care.

•Heat detection, fertility monitoring and assisting with breeding programmes.

•Maintaining accurate herd records and reporting health or fertility concerns.

•Working closely with the vet, nutritionist and other farm advisers when required.

•Managing dry cows, transition cows and youngstock.

•Ensuring all animals are managed in accordance with organic certification requirements.

Milking

•Carrying out milking duties to a consistently high standard.

•Maintaining excellent parlour hygiene and milk quality.

•Monitoring milk quality and identifying potential mastitis or other issues.

•Cleaning and maintaining milking equipment and facilities.

•Following organic and farm-specific procedures for milk production.

Grassland & Feed Management

•Assisting with grazing management and rotational grazing plans.

•Monitoring grass availability and utilisation.

•Moving livestock and electric fencing as required.

•Assisting with silage, hay and other forage production.

•Monitoring forage stocks and livestock feed requirements.

•Working with management to maximise pasture utilisation while maintaining soil and animal health.

Farm Management & Maintenance

•Daily checks of livestock, buildings, water systems, fencing and equipment.

•Maintaining clean, safe and well-organised farm facilities.

•Carrying out general farm maintenance and repairs.

•Operating tractors, loaders and other agricultural machinery safely and competently.

•Assisting with machinery and equipment maintenance.

•Ensuring farm buildings, yards and livestock areas are kept to a high standard.

Organic Farming & Compliance

•Working within the principles and standards of organic agriculture.

•Maintaining high standards of environmental stewardship and soil health.

•Following organic certification, farm assurance, animal welfare and health & safety requirements.

•Keeping accurate farm, livestock, medicine and treatment records.

•Ensuring any medicines and treatments are administered and recorded correctly.

•Supporting sustainable farming practices and responsible use of farm resources.

Staff Management & Daily Organisation

•Organising and coordinating farm staff on a daily basis to ensure all tasks are completed efficiently and to a high standard.

•Planning daily workloads and allocating duties according to staff experience and farm priorities.

•Providing clear direction and support to the farm team.

•Ensuring milking, feeding, livestock care, cleaning, maintenance and other daily tasks are completed on time.

•Monitoring staff performance and maintaining high standards of animal welfare, hygiene, health and safety.

•Training and mentoring staff where required.

•Managing staff rotas, working hours, holidays and cover in conjunction with the farm owner.

•Ensuring good communication between staff and reporting any issues or concerns to farm owner.

•Leading by example and maintaining a positive, professional and productive working environment.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who:

•Has previous experience working with dairy cattle, ideally in a herdsperson or senior farm role.

•Has a strong understanding of dairy herd health, fertility and welfare.

•Has experience of milking and maintaining high standards of milk hygiene.

•Has good practical farming and machinery skills.

•Is organised and capable of keeping accurate records.

•Can work independently and use their initiative.

•Has a good eye for detail and can identify problems early.

•Takes pride in maintaining high standards across the farm.

•Has a genuine interest in organic and sustainable agriculture.

•Is reliable, hardworking and willing to be hands-on.

•Has good communication skills and can work effectively as part of a team.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

•Previous experience as a dairy herdsperson, assistant farm manager or farm manager.

•Experience working on an organic dairy farm.

•Relevant agricultural qualification.

•Artificial insemination (AI) experience.

•Foot trimming experience or relevant training.

•Tractor and machinery experience.

•Experience with grassland and grazing management.

•Relevant livestock handling, first aid or animal health qualifications.

•Full UK driving licence.

What We Offer

•A responsible and varied role on a progressive organic dairy farm.

•Competitive salary based on experience and ability.

•Opportunities for training and professional development.

•A friendly and supportive working environment.

•The opportunity to take an active role in the management and development of the farm.

•Pension / holiday allowance / other benefits

Working Pattern

The role will involve working as part of the farm team and will include early mornings, weekends and some bank holidays, as required by the needs of the herd.

A suitable rota and regular time off will be agreed with the successful candidate.