Job Description
Scope of Work and Responsibilities:
The proper care of dairy animals requires keeping the farm clean, addressing health and safety concerns and adhering to procedures and protocols consistently. The successful herdsperson will perform in a professional and efficient manner to ensure the production of a high-quality product and promote animal comfort for the longevity of the dairy and the herd.
The herdsperson is expected to maintain day-to-day operations of the dairy; upkeep the location to the extent of knowledge and abilities; address problems (e.g. herd health, milking equipment, supplies management) with the Owner and communicate needs of veterinary, feed, and general supplies. The Herdsperson is expected to perform as a team member, consulting with Veterinarian, Nutritionist, Vendors, Industry Reps and Owners to continuously improve the dairy and leading, by example, the relief milking team in best practices of dairy industry.
Specific Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:
* Maintain Herd Production & Quality, Including Milk Quality and Animal Quality.
- Herd Improvements (Milk Quality, Quantity, Other Benchmarks) will be rewarded (TBD).
* Utilize SCR system for heat detection and animal health
* Monitor Fresh Cows, administer treatment protocols and health screenings
* Monitor Herd Health, administer appropriate treatment protocols
* Monitor Body Condition, work with Owner and Nutritionist to optimize cattle health and performance
* Monitor Herd for routine or maintenance hoof trims, sort for trimmer
* Maintain Breeding Program, including mating, breeding eligibility (DNB), and drying off cows
* Breed cows using AI in standing heats, and using Synch Programs
* Identify Cull Candidates in consultation with Owners
* Perform routine vaccinations as directed in the vaccination protocol
* Record herd health and reproduction events in herd software
* Monitor Health & Breeding Protocols for continued effectiveness
* Ensure cows have access to clean pens, quality feed and clean water
* Maintain Parlor and Milking Equipment to extent of knowledge
* Keep equipment and supplies in an orderly manner so they are readily available for use
- Ensure equipment has proper oil, grease, fuel, etc to avoid wear and damage
* Assist in maintaining freestalls, headlocks, gates, fencing and equipment
* Assist in any special projects or maintenance of farmstead as requested by the Owner
* Discuss needs, issues and ideas with Owner
* Milk cows as scheduled (Up to 11 shifts per week, 2x/day milking)
* Mix Cow Feed, following ration and best practices to ensure quality feed is available 24/7
* Perform general farm labor duties including, but not limited to, operating farm equipment such as tractors, trucks, skid loaders, and implements to produce feed, bedding, and grain and manure handling
Minimum Qualifications (Education/Experience):
* Work experience in the dairy industry (minimum five years)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
* Knowledgeable in parlor operations, and ability to perform routine maintenance of milking equipment
* Knowledge of common dairy cattle health conditions, and ability to diagnose and treat conditions
* Knowledge of cattle flight zones and skilled in animal handling
* Skilled in computer use to maintain records and monitor herd data
* Ability to work in adverse weather conditions
* Ability to stand, lift, bend, stoop repeatedly throughout a shift
* Ability to work with all types of people
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $44,777.00 - $47,748.00 per year
Benefits:
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Relocation assistance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Fort Atkinson, WI 53538: Reliably commute or willing to relocate with an employer-provided relocation package (Required)
Experience:
- Farming: 5 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
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