Herd Manager - Jersey
An exciting opportunity to manage one of the top herds on the Island of Jersey.
The Job
This is a new role managing the prize winning Ansom herd of 300 pedigree Jerseys plus 250 youngstock alongside the farm owners to bring additional resources and expertise to the business, which is Red Tractor and LEAF accredited.
The herd calves all year round and is milked 2x a day through a 14/28 herringbone parlour. Currently averaging 7000 litres milk sold at 5.9% butterfat and 3.9% protein, 120 SCC with single figure bactoscan. The cows are housed in the winter and with access to grazing through the spring and summer months. The farm is well equipped and technology such as Cow Manager and Uniform is available to assist with the herd health, fertility and data management. The farm benefits from quarterly visits from our consultants at The Dairy Group and Kite Consulting.
The successful candidate will need to have proven ability and will be responsible for both the cows and youngstock and day-to-day oversight of a hardworking team of four herdsmen / stockmen. You will need to be proactive in your management style but with the flexibility to cope with unplanned issues when they arise. Excellent communication and organisational skills are essential as well as computer literacy, good record keeping, a clean driving licence and the experience of tractor driving and operating farm equipment.
We are installing a brand new DeLaval parlour this summer with a view to changing to a 3x milking routine. The role will include helping to manage this transition and the integration of new extra staff. Animal welfare is a top priority and we are seeking an enthusiastic, hard-working individual with an eye for detail. Working alongside our Vet (monthly visits,) you will be responsible for the reproductive management of the cows and herd health. Although there is regular contract trimming, you will need to be able to foot trim on an ad hoc basis and be AI qualified. Formal training can be provided for the right candidate.
The Package
An excellent package including a 3 bedroom house will be available to the successful candidate and 29 days of paid annual leave. The job is based on an average of 50 working hours per week, including 6-8 milkings and some weekend work as part of a rota and also holiday cover. Once the shift to 3x milking is complete some occasional night milkings may be required.
Location
The farm is located on the picturesque north east coast of Jersey in the Channel Islands and is a 2 minute drive from the nearest beach. The accommodation is a newly refurbished house with a garden and is only a five minute drive from the farm and close to excellent local schools, amenities, bus routes and offers a safe, pleasant and rural location.
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