Herd Manager
Location:- Dumfries
United Kingdom (Scotland)
Overview:
A well-established grass-fed dairy unit spanning approximately 280 hectares, supporting 650 cows. Producing 4,600 litres of milk per cow annually with a total of 500 kg milk solids, this operation benefits from grass growth of approximately 13 tonnes per year, and has been under progressive management since 2014.
As the Dairy Farm Operations Manager, you’ll oversee all aspects of milk production, animal health, pasture management, and farm efficiency to ensure high-yield performance and sustainable growth.
Key Responsibilities:
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Milk Production Oversight: Ensure cows are milked to high standards; monitor milk yield and solids performance.
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Pasture & Grassland Management: Manage grass growth cycles to optimize feed from grazing throughout the year.
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Animal Welfare & Health: Implement health protocols, monitor cow condition, and liaise with vets.
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Operational Planning: Coordinate milking schedules, herd movement, grazing rotations, and workload.
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Sustainability Development: Align practices with the farm’s long-term grass-based strategy and progressive ethos.
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Record Keeping & Reporting: Maintain accurate production data, track performance metrics, and assist with strategic planning.
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Team Leadership: Supervise farm staff, communicate expectations clearly, and maintain a culture of safety and efficiency.
Candidate Profile:
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
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Proven managing experience in a medium-to-large dairy farm environment.
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Strong knowledge in grass-based systems, milk production metrics, and herd management.
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Excellent organisational and communication skills.
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Strong numerical/IT skills for data tracking and reporting.
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A commitment to sustainable, efficient dairy farming.
Desirable:
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Experience working with grass-based systems and high-yield production.
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Understanding of innovative, sustainability-led dairy practices.
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Capacity to support ongoing development and farm improvement strategies.
Terms & Benefits:
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Competitive salary (to be discussed)
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Permanent, full-time position
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Opportunity to manage a progressive, grass-fed dairy operation in a supportive environment
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Scope for long-term career growth and farm performance impact
How to Apply:
If you'd like to lead a dynamic, grass-fed dairy production unit and drive continuous improvement, please submit your CV along with a brief cover statement outlining your experience and interest in the sector