Assistant Herd Manager

FarmWell; Worcester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive UK dairy estate is seeking an Assistant Herd Manager to oversee daily milking operations and implement breeding strategies. This role involves managing a team, maintaining operational standards, and ensuring the health of an organic Jersey herd. Applicants should have experience in AI procedures, good machinery skills, and a commitment to hygiene. The position offers a competitive salary alongside accommodation and opportunities for career advancement.

Benefits

Competitive salary

On-farm accommodation

Vehicle and fuel miles

Career progression within the estate

Qualifications

• Experience in overseeing daily milking operations and managing grazing.
• Proven capability in implementing breeding strategies and AI programmes.
• Skillful in coordinating farm machinery and maintaining hygiene standards.

Responsibilities

• Run daily milking operations and oversee the dairy team.
• Maintain top-tier animal welfare and operational standards.
• Implement breeding policies and manage herd health targets.
• Strategically plan grassland management and rotational reseeds.

Skills

AI procedures experience

Machinery skills (mowers, balers, drills)

Foot trimming

Record keeping on AgriNet

Job description

Are you a skilled dairy professional ready to lead a modern, high-performing herd?

Join a progressive UK dairy estate managing an organic Jersey herd of 360 milkers across 500 acres, with plans to expand to 500 and go full pedigree.

As Assistant Herd Manager, you’ll oversee daily milking operations, grazing management, autumn block-calving, and implement breeding strategies, including AI and bull service. Experience in AI procedures and foot trimming is a plus.

You’ll work closely with vets, nutritionists, and geneticists to maximise herd health and milk output, ensuring top hygiene standards in the parlour. Leading and mentoring a growing team, you’ll maintain accurate records on AgriNet and plan grassland management with precision—rotational reseeds, mowing schedules, and contractor coordination. Machinery skills (mowers, balers, drills) are essential.

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This is your chance to help shape one of the UK’s most forward-thinking organic dairy enterprises and champion regenerative farming principles.

Responsibilities

• Running daily milking operations, covering where required
• Organising rotas for dairy team: milking, feeding, grazing and seasonal tasks.
• Oversee daily milking schedules, set targets for milk quality and yield, and troubleshoot equipment issues with engineers.
• Uphold top-tier animal welfare and operational standards
• Maintain immaculate paddocks, yards, buildings to highest standards
• Implement the estate’s dairy breeding policies through AI programmes, fertility monitoring and genetic‑improvement initiatives.
• Drive herd health targets with AI programmes, fertility submissions over 75% and robust hoof‑care and lameness prevention.
• Manage and oversea autumn block calf rearing, colostrum protocols, feeding plans alongside the nutritionist

Remunerations

• Competitive salary, On‑farm accommodation, Farm House, Vehicle and Fuel Miles
• Career progression within the estate

How do I apply?

For more information and an informal confidential discussion please call Rupert Kettle on: 01885 485523 / 07498665961 or e‑mail your CV (in word format) and covering letter to [e-mail] , thank you.

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