BUSINESS BACKGROUND

This family owned business extends to six farms covering 2000 acres and carrying a total of 1000 cows and 900 youngstock.

The position available is at the largest unit comprising of 650 Friesian/Holsteins milking cows and 600 dairy replacements.  The cows, which currently average 9200 litres, are cubicle housed, fed a TMR and milked through a 25/50 herringbone parlour.  Calving is all year round with a projected calving interval of 403 days.

The business plans to expand to 1100 cows from 2010 onwards.

JOB ROLE

This new position coincides with the planned expansion of the unit next year .  The principle objective will be to take an ever increasing level of responsibility for the day to day management of the herd in achieving high levels of performance and profitability with top class standards in hygiene, fertility, foot care and general husbandry.

APPLICANTS MUST HAVE:-

• Proven experience of managing a herd of 200+ cows.
  
• Working knowledge of herd health, fertility, nutrition, hygienic milk production and record keeping.
  
• Ability to use and interpret herd records and management performance information.
  
• Able to use initiative and make sound judgement
  
• Effective communication and staff management skills
  
• Numerate and IT literate
  
• Well organised with a positive, energetic approach.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Formal qualifications in agriculture
  
• Certificates in AI and foot trimming
  
• Current driving licence

PACKAGE:

• Attractive salary
  
• A programme of continued professional development
  
• Accommodation: - a well appointed, centrally heated detached house within walking distance of the dairy.

LOCAL INFORMATION:

The farm is a short distance away from local primary and secondary schools and 3 miles away from local shopping facilities.