Dairy Production Manager

Dairy Production Manager

ACCOMODATION AVAILABLE 

An exciting opportunity is available for an enthusiastic and reliable individual or couple. Located Gunbower Victoria.

Cleelands Holdings is expanding their farming enterprise, with the acquisition of a second neighbouring Dairy Farm. 

We are currently seeking a skilled Dairy Production Manager to become a valued member of our team. The role will be based on the second farm and will milk approximately a 200-cow herd. The dairy is a newly refurbished 20 double up herringbone with feed system, milk meters, auto cup removers and stall gates. The milking herd will be fitted with Allflex monitoring collars. Pipe and riser irrigation. Some occasional/seasonal work on our home farm will be required as part of the role. 

We are a family run dairy farm that values animal welfare. This role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic and supportive environment, contributing to the success of our thriving dairy operation.

The applicant must possess a strong work ethic and the willingness to achieve a high standard in their work. We demand a positive attitude and the ability to work both individually and as part of a team.

About the role: 

The Production Manager will work closely with the farm owners; building a relationship of trust to oversee and ensure smooth day to day on farm operations. The key focus area is herd health and milk production so a passion for the dairy industry is essential. 

Key responsibilities are:

Milk Harvesting:

• Milk harvesting to a high standard of quality, efficiency and yield.
• Identify and correct problems in the machine function and operation as they arise. 
• Identify and correct unsafe and unacceptable milking practices. 
• Maintain hygiene, cleanliness and presentability around dairy.

Animal Husbandry:

• Monitor for and identify animal health problems such as clinical mastitis, teat damage, lameness and other illnesses. Follow protocols for the treatment and recording of the condition.
• Assist veterinarian when required. Record all treatments to meet quality assurance requirements and farm policy. Follow farm guidelines for storage of appropriate levels of veterinary and animal husbandry supplies. 
• Administer drenches vaccines, mineral supplements and other appropriate animal husbandry. 
• Assist with mating program for cows and heifers. 

Feed Management and Delivery:

• Load and feed out conserved fodder using farm machinery either in paddock or on feed pad, hay feeders or troughs.
• Work with farm owners and nutrition consultant to determine feed rations.
• Determine pasture availability based on growth rates and rotation length. Oversee its allocation including setting up rotation plan and use of temporary fencing.
• Oversee the sourcing and reticulation of water to stock to meet their requirements.
• Oversee delivery of allocated feed ration to all groups of cattle. Includes understanding of dietary requirements based on production, cost and availability, balancing rations and use of additives.

Plant Equipment and Infrastructure Maintenance:

• Implement the dairy maintenance schedule including replacement of rubberware, routine machine testing and maintenance of equipment.
• Maintenance of fencing. 

Irrigation & Pasture growing:

• Some setup and monitoring of paddock flood irrigation using pipe and riser irrigation system.
• Some paddock work eg fertiliser spreading and spraying may be required as part of the role. 

Calf Rearing:

• Monitor for and observe calving cows who may need assistance.
• Identify and record newborn calves, ensure adequate colostrum intake and adhere to farm procedures for newborn calf management. Organise and prepare for the sale of bobby calves.
• Prepare and deliver milk and concentrates to reared calves. Observe and treat calves requiring medication. Manage calf groups through to weaning.
• Participate in cattle mustering, drafting, transport and application of herd ID program. Adhere to farm policy on handling and welfare of stock.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collect cows from paddock to the dairy using machinery supplied and operate it within the farm guidelines. Set up paddocks for next grazing. 
• Check and start the milking system, milk cooling, refrigeration, washing and feed system. Cup up cows after attending to appropriate udder hygiene.
• At the completion of milking, follow the procedures for plant cleaning and the shutdown process. Prepare the dairy in readiness for the next milking according to the set guidelines.
• Follow OHS procedures.  

Suitable applicants should have the following:

• A strong work ethic
• Strong communication skills
• A sound knowledge of and experience in the dairy industry.
• Current driver's license
• Initiative 
• Reliability
• Attention to detail.
• enthusiasm for the dairy industry, cows and farming
• Ability to operate machinery such as tractors and quad bikes. 
• Understand pasture production and rotational grazing. 

This role is offered on a full-time ongoing basis.  

Please apply by sending your CV and cover letter with a minimum of 2 employment references. 

We are happy to mentor an enthusiastic and motivated person should they not meet some of the criteria.