Full-Time Trainee Herd Manager Grass-Based Dairy Farm

We are offering an exciting opportunity for a Full-Time Trainee Herd Manager on a progressive, grass-based dairy unit.

This role would ideally suit an agricultural college leaver with some practical dairy experience, and a strong interest in herd management and pasture-based systems.

The Farm

450-acre, well-established dairy unit

500 cows in a spring-calving, grass-based system

34-unit swing-over parlour

Suitable wintering and feed infrastructure on site with support land in 10 mile radius

Our system includes:

450 cows calving in a 9-week spring block

An additional 50 cows calving in a 4-week block from late June for winter milk production

Beef calves through to weaning

Youngstock rearing on support farms

Boxed beef enterprise

The farm is supported by an experienced owner couple who live on-site and oversee the wider business, providing mentorship and guidance as well as a suite of farm specific courses on Tirlun.ai on how things work.

The farm paperwork and administration is not a requirement in this role but there is a requirement to keep herd event records and communicate well in person and on Whatsapp.

The Role

This is a hands-on position with progression opportunities. You will be involved in all aspects of the dairy operation, including:

Milking and parlour management

Herd health and fertility monitoring

Grassland and grazing management

Youngstock and calving management

Machinery operation

What We Offer

Competitive starter salary package: £27,500 £32,000 (depending on experience)

Spacious 3-bedroom, open-plan flat on the farm

All living expenses included: rent, electricity, oil, water, wifi and council tax

Modern equipment, including:

2025 Pivot Steer JCB 320

2025 CF 450 Quad Bike

Candidate Requirements

Agricultural college leaver or similar background

Some practical experience in grass-based dairy systems

Strong work ethic and willingness to learn

Interest in progressing to a herd management role

Full UK driver's licence

Ability to communicate well and confidence to build leadership skills

Desirable but not essential

Telehandler certificate

Quad bike certificate

Safe use of veterinary medicines

Foot trimming/understanding

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking for progression with a view to building a career in dairy farming within a supportive and forward-thinking business.

To apply or for more information, please get in touch starting date TBC May/June 2026.