At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a 300-cow dairy herd and ensure top-notch animal welfare.
- Company: Join a progressive farming business in beautiful North Wiltshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, rent-free house, structured time off, and supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in dairy farming while enjoying a rural lifestyle.
- Qualifications: 4 years of dairy experience and strong herd management skills.
- Other info: Enjoy a genuine work-life balance with excellent local schools.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking a motivated and experienced Dairy Herd Manager to join a forward-thinking farming business in an idyllic North Wiltshire village. Working within a skilled four-person team under the overall leadership of the farm's livestock manager, you'll play a key role in producing high-quality milk for a premium retailer-aligned supply contract.
The Farm
- 300 all-year-round calving cows
- Average yield: 10,000 litres
- TMR-fed with rotational paddock grazing
- Cubicle housing
- Modern 20:40 Westfalia parlour with ADF, auto-feeding, and auto-drafting
- Well-invested, efficient handling systems
The Role
This is a hands-on position where you will take responsibility for the day-to-day herd management while maintaining excellent animal welfare and performance standards. Key responsibilities include:
- Overseeing herd health, fertility, and breeding programmes
- Monitoring dry cows, calving cows, and youngstock transitions
- Carrying out AI (advantageous) and managing breeding performance
- Completing one milking per day and sharing general farm duties
- TMR feeding and daily herd care
- Participating in a rota including night checks and every other weekend
About You
- Minimum 4 years' dairy experience
- Proven ability in herd management and livestock husbandry
- Strong team player with a proactive, can-do attitude
- Confident working independently and leading by example
- AI experience beneficial but not essential
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary package (dependent on experience)
- 3-bedroom house (rent-free) with garage and gardens
- Structured time off: every other weekend + additional days
- Supportive team and genuine work-life balance
- Excellent local schools and rural lifestyle
Dairy Herd Manager employer: LKL Services Ltd
Contact Detail:
LKL Services Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Dairy Herd Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the farm before you apply! Research the business, its values, and its team. This way, when you chat with them, you can show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider info about the role and the team dynamics, which can help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for hands-on assessments! Since this is a practical role, be ready to demonstrate your skills in herd management and animal care. Brush up on your AI techniques if you can!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our awesome team in North Wiltshire.
We think you need these skills to ace Dairy Herd Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your dairy experience and herd management skills. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Personal Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for dairy farming and why you’re excited about joining our team. Keep it friendly and professional – we love a personal touch!
Showcase Your Team Spirit: Since we’re all about teamwork here at StudySmarter, make sure to mention any experiences where you’ve worked well in a team. Highlighting your collaborative skills will definitely catch our eye!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you can check out other opportunities while you’re there!
How to prepare for a job interview at LKL Services Ltd
✨Know Your Herd
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of dairy herd management. Familiarise yourself with the specifics of the farm's operations, like their TMR feeding and rotational grazing practices. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and understand the nuances of managing a 300-cow herd.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in dairy farming. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed herd health, fertility, or breeding programmes. Use metrics if possible, like improvements in milk yield or herd health, to demonstrate your impact.
✨Team Player Attitude
Since this role involves working closely with a small team, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've contributed to a team environment in the past, and be prepared to discuss how you can support your colleagues while also taking initiative.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the farm's practices, team dynamics, and future goals. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the position but also helps you gauge if the farm is the right fit for you. For instance, ask about their approach to animal welfare or how they handle breeding performance.