At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the herd's performance and manage milking, hygiene, and grazing.
- Company: A progressive dairy farm near Shrewsbury with a focus on quality production.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, and quality housing included.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a thriving dairy operation and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 1 year of dairy experience and a full driving licence required.
- Other info: Enjoy a structured rota and a supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: Near Shrewsbury, Shropshire
The Farm: Located near Shrewsbury, 270 spring-calving Jersey crossbreds. Our system is focused on efficiency and high-quality grass-fed production, supplying milk to Arla. With a 24:48 swing-over parlour, good track and water system, and 325 acres of mostly grassland.
The Role: This is a "Head" role where you will take real ownership of the herd's performance. You will be supported by the farm team but will lead on the following:
- Milking & Hygiene: Milking 7-9 times per week to a high standard. You will take responsibility for maintaining excellent Bactoscans and Somatic Cell Counts.
- Herd Management: Managing all aspects of dairy hygiene and record-keeping of treatments.
- Grazing & Land: Setting up electric break fences and managing the grazing platform.
- Field & Yard Work: Basic tractor work including yard scraping, bedding, and occasional field work.
- Travel: Occasional travel to our off-lying heifer and silage land (4 miles away).
Schedule: Structured rota: 10 days on / 4 off or 5 on / 2 off. Hours vary seasonally to average 45 hours per week. Milking times: 06:15 and 15:30 (approx. 2 hours at peak).
About You: We are looking for a conscientious and punctual individual with a genuine enthusiasm for grass-based systems.
- Experience: At least 1 year of full-time dairy experience is essential.
- Attitude: A willingness to learn is more important than current ability.
- Skills: AI qualifications are preferred but not essential.
- Transport: Ability to travel between sites (Full driving licence required).
What We Offer:
- Competitive Salary: Reflective of your experience and responsibility.
- Training: We encourage and fund ongoing training/courses at local vets or colleges.
- Quality Housing: 2-bedroom house is available in local village.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £32,000.00-£38,000.00 per year
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Experience: Dairy farming: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification: Full driving license (required) United Kingdom (required)
Head Herdsperson in Shrewsbury employer: Workinshrewsbury
Contact Detail:
Workinshrewsbury Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Herdsperson in Shrewsbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the dairy farming community, attend local events, and connect with people on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with milking, herd management, or even basic tractor work, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Bring it up when chatting with potential employers or during interviews to demonstrate your hands-on knowledge.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to farms you’re interested in working for, like ours at StudySmarter. Express your enthusiasm and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Whether it’s brushing up on AI qualifications or understanding more about grass-based systems, show that you’re keen to grow. This attitude will make you stand out as a candidate who’s ready to take ownership of the herd's performance.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Herdsperson in Shrewsbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Dairy Farming: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for dairy farming shine through! Share any experiences or stories that highlight your love for grass-based systems and working with livestock.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your dairy experience, especially if you've worked in similar roles before. We want to know about your hands-on skills, whether it's milking, herd management, or basic tractor work.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Workinshrewsbury
✨Know Your Herd
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of dairy herd management. Be ready to discuss your experience with milking, hygiene standards, and herd performance metrics. Showing that you understand the specifics of managing a spring-calving system will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for grass-based systems shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to dairy farming. This role is about ownership, so showing genuine interest in the farm's operations can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about specific scenarios you might face on the job, like dealing with Bactoscans or setting up electric break fences. Think through your past experiences and be ready to explain how you would handle various challenges in herd management.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn
Since attitude is more important than current ability, emphasise your eagerness to learn and grow in the role. Mention any relevant training you've undertaken or courses you're interested in, especially those related to AI qualifications or dairy hygiene.