We are seeking a reliable, proactive Herdsperson for our herd of 180 crossbred cows, which calve year-round and are milked on 3 Lely robots. The herd is housed for most of the year with access to grazing when conditions allow. All replacements are reared on the farm, and there is also a beef enterprise consisting of calves from the dairy herd.

Job Details:

The primary role is to help with the day-to-day running of the dairy herd to ensure high levels of animal welfare and productivity. Maintaining good hygiene and working safely within the farm environment. You will be part of a small team and collaborate closely with the family to advance the herd and business. We aim to provide a good work-life balance in a role that will be rewarding to those with a passion for dairy farming.

Key Responsibilities:

•Monitor the health and general performance of the herd daily.

•Identify and treat sick animals and report problems promptly.

•Heat detection through the use of collars and Artificial Insemination.

•Monitor lameness within the herd and trim where required, liaising with a contracted trimmer for fortnightly routine trims.

•Working alongside the vet with fortnightly herd health checks and pregnancy scanning.

•Dry cows off as required with selective dry cow therapy.

•Administer medicines and vaccines to livestock and keep check on levels in stock.

•Monitor and assist with calving, for smooth transition of the cow and good start for each calf.

•Assist with calf feeding when required.

•Daily inputting of data into herd management software, including Uniform and Lely Horizon.

•Day-to-day maintenance and cleaning of the milking robots, sharing an on-call Rota.

•Yard duties including tractor scraping and cubicle bedding.

•Operation of a telehandler and ATV, and other tractor work where required.

•Setting up electric fences for strip grazing and monitoring/feeding young stock at grass.

•General farm maintenance.

Skills and Experience:

•Previous experience working with dairy cattle.

•Ability to use initiative and work independently.

•Good communication with managers and other employees.

•A passion for animal health and performance.

•Reliable and willing to work alternate weekends.

•At key seasonal times such as harvest, overtime may be required.

•Must hold a full, valid UK driving license.

Desirable, but training can be provided:

•DIY AI certificate.

•Foot-trimming certificate.

•Telehandler ticket.

•Experience of robotic milking systems.

Accommodation:

Accommodation can be provided in a 3-bedroom detached cottage with a spacious garden, located a couple of minutes away from the farm.

What we offer:

•28 days' annual leave

•A small family-run environment with plenty of variety day-to-day.

•Were happy to put the right candidates through appropriate training courses.

•An average standard working week of less than 50 hours to provide a good work-life balance.

•Salary between £ 31,000- £36,000 depending on experience, plus overtime.