At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a herd, ensure animal welfare, and operate milking systems.
- Company: Join an award-winning organic farm with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Earn £35,000 - £38,000 plus a renovated cottage and a supportive team.
- Why this job: Be part of a progressive farming culture focused on animal welfare and innovation.
- Qualifications: 3 years milking experience and 1 year on a grass-based system required.
- Other info: Training available for specific qualifications; flexible shift patterns.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Shift pattern open to discussion. £36,000 - £40,000. 3 bed semi-detached cottage currently being renovated.
Essential criteria:
- 3 years of experience milking and treating/spotting illnesses
- 1 year experience on a grass-based system
You will be working directly for the farm, not through REAL Success.
Our Farm
We are an organic PWAB certified farm set across 650 acres, with a grass-based herd of 300 Friesians. Our herd is milked twice a day in our 24/48 herringbone parlour which has in-parlour ACR, auto feeding, auto shedding gates, auto footbath and auto heat detection. We are averaging 5,500 litres with our milk supplied to Organic Herd. We operate a spring block calving system, and all our data records are kept by Uniform and Farm Wizard. We are an award-winning farm, that has won Organic Farmer of the Year in 2008 and 2015 with Omsco as well as runner-up in 2017 for Dairy Farmer of the Year with Farmers Weekly.
Your Role
As a Herdsperson, your roles and responsibilities will include:
- Daily management of the herd ensuring animal welfare is your top priority.
- Operating the paddock grazing system and working with the farm owner to manage this.
- Milking to a high and consistent standard.
- Working with the farm owner to maintain records, ensuring data is kept up to date and used to benefit the herd's wellbeing.
- Treating & identifying illnesses and informing the farm owner of any observations.
- Basic tractor and machine operation.
- Keeping the farm overall tidy & safe to operate.
- General farm maintenance & fencing.
A full UK Driving license and proof of UK right to work is required for this role and a Telehandler ticket is desirable. Foot-trimming and AI qualifications are preferred; however, training can be provided.
You
You will need to:
- Be reliable with good timekeeping, who is passionate about cow welfare.
- Effective communicator.
- Possess the ability to self-start and work on your own initiative.
- Have experience milking and spotting/treating illnesses.
- Enjoy being on the farm and have a progressive outlook on organic dairy farming.
- Have excellent communication skills and the desire to uphold positive work relationships.
The Benefits
- £35,000 - £38,000 per annum
- 3-bedroom, farm-owned, currently being renovated semi-detached cottage, walking distance from the farm with its own private garden. Flat available in the interim.
- A passionate and friendly team who are committed to regenerative farming, staff training, and development.
Herdsperson - Shropshire employer: Real Success
Contact Detail:
Real Success Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Herdsperson - Shropshire
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific practices and technologies used on organic farms, especially those related to milking and herd management. Understanding the tools and systems mentioned in the job description, like the herringbone parlour and data management software, will show your genuine interest and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the organic farming community. Attend local agricultural events or join online forums where you can connect with current or former employees of similar farms. This can provide you with insider knowledge about the farm and potentially a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with animal welfare and illness management during the interview. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully identified and treated illnesses in cows, as this is a crucial part of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your passion for organic farming by staying updated on industry trends and best practices. Mention any relevant courses or certifications you’ve pursued, even if they are not mandatory, to highlight your commitment to continuous learning and improvement in the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Herdsperson - Shropshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise your three years of experience in milking and treating illnesses, as well as your year of experience on a grass-based system. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills.
Showcase Your Passion for Animal Welfare: In your application, express your passion for cow welfare and how it aligns with the farm's values. Mention any relevant experiences that showcase your commitment to animal care.
Detail Your Communication Skills: Since effective communication is crucial for this role, provide examples of how you've successfully communicated in previous positions. This could include working with team members or reporting to management.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Herdsperson role. Make sure to mention your ability to self-start, work independently, and maintain positive work relationships.
How to prepare for a job interview at Real Success
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine passion for animal welfare during the interview. Discuss any experiences you've had in ensuring the health and wellbeing of livestock, as this is a top priority for the farm.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Be prepared to talk about your specific experience with milking and treating illnesses. Provide examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to manage a herd effectively, especially in a grass-based system.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you have successfully communicated with team members or farm owners in the past, particularly when it comes to reporting observations about the herd.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the farm's practices, such as their approach to regenerative farming or how they maintain records. This shows your interest in the role and helps you understand if it's the right fit for you.