Herd Manager

Job Title: Herd Manager
Location: Waikato
Employer: DP Milking Limited
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-time
Number of positions for this job: 1
Days required: Shifting Mondays-Sundays 8/2,8/3
Hours per week: 35-45hours

JOB DUTIES:

Breeding - 

• Breed and raise livestock to produce high-quality milk.
• Keep artificially bred heifer calves with the best possible breeding value to maintain replacement targets.
• Ensure all calves for rearing, bobby calf sales, or gate sales are free from inhibitory substances (e.g., no penicillin milk fed). Discard any milk containing such substances.
• Use tail paint and observe cows in heat 3 weeks before and during mating periods.
• Keep accurate records of all mating and calving.
• Check that follow-up bulls are active and healthy.

Animal Health - 

• Promote herd health through daily preventive care and remedies as needed.
• Focus on preventing bloat, magnesium deficiency, selenium or copper deficiency, foot problems, internal and external parasites.
• Record every calving, maintain cow and calf health, and minimize deaths.
• Be available for calving supervision or ensure proper backup is arranged.
• Plan time off during calving with the employer to ensure coverage.
• Consult a veterinarian as directed by the employer.

Livestock Management & Pasture Care - 

• Maintain pasture cover at recommended levels according to farm policy and feed plans.
• Manage pasture quality, dry matter scoring, and feeding levels.
• Move livestock to ensure proper nutrition.
• Organize and oversee the sale, purchase, and transportation of livestock and milk.

Farm Operations - 

• Handle livestock activities such as catching, drenching, and milking.
• Sterilize machinery and equipment.
• Maintain sheds, fences, and water supply.
• Apply fertilizers and oversee contractors for spreading and other farm work.
• Supervise collection, grading, and packaging of farm products.
• Recruit, train, and supervise new staff or contractors.
• Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.

Record Management & Budgeting -

• Maintain accurate records of farm activities for monitoring, planning, taxation, and financial purposes.
• Monitor budgets and manage cash flow.
• Collect and organize documents for tax purposes.
• Ensure farm profitability and manage debt and loans efficiently.

Production -

• Feed the herd with high-quality pasture and supplements.
• Maintain pastures in top condition to optimize cow intake.
• Monitor herd health and overall well-being.
• Set and maintain shed hygiene and cleaning routines with the employer.
• Ensure all milking systems are followed to produce the highest quality milk.

ABOUT YOU:

• You need to have a minimum of 18 months of experience working in a busy commercial farm
  
• Must have a high quality of workmanship and attention to detail, with a passion for the dairy industry
  
• Reliable, honest and willing to grow and learn
  
• Non smoker
  
• Willing to undergo regular drug testing
  
• Must be able to operate two/four wheelers and tractors