Our client is an award-winning, vertically integrated agribusiness specialising in organic dairy production – with everything produced on farm being through their own milk processing facility. Since their humble beginnings in 2002, they have become a beloved, award-winning Australian dairy brand available in over 800 stores throughout Australia and overseas. They run over 800 head of organic milking cows, plus 410ha of cropping (increasing to 600ha) across 3 properties, two of which are located in close proximity to Yelarbon, QLD.
Your Role
As the Farm Manager, you will lead a team of 10 staff across two nearby properties, overseeing a herd of approximately 380 milking cows, with expansion plans in the pipeline. Your initial focus will entail three key areas: enhancing the skills of current staff, optimizing herd performance, and crafting effective herd and pasture management strategies, all with the support of the Supply Chain Director.
Additionally, your role encompasses ensuring that the farm aligns with the requirements of the production facility, adhering to the best organic agricultural practices while prioritizing efficiency, animal welfare, staff safety, and food safety standards. Your responsibilities also extend to various other tasks, including but not limited to:
- Ensuring a safe environment for both staff and the herd
- Managing staff, including scheduling and monitoring work hours across each farm to optimise operations within budget constraints
- Maintaining compliance with ACO farming standards
- Developing and implementing strategies based on data analysis to enhance milk output efficiency
- Monitoring and maintaining herd health to achieve a low Somatic Cell count
- Identifying potential business opportunities, such as establishing an A2 farm
- Budget management and cost control for the farm
- Monitoring the age distribution of the herd, including managing calves
- Coordinating with external contractors and consultants
About You
Our ideal candidate will be a motivated self-starter with good commercial acumen, coupled with having a genuine passion for the agriculture space, to include strong cropping and livestock/dairy experience, organic experience will be highly regarded, however not essential.
To be considered for the role, it’s important you can address the following criteria:
- 5+ years of experience in dairy management, exposure to irrigated cropping will also be highly regarded.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license
- Proficient in herd welfare and nutrition management
- Prior experience in dairy production (desirable)
- Proven track record in managing multiple teams.
- Sound commercial judgment, capable of managing budgets and capital expenditure projects as needed.
- Effective leadership and mentoring abilities
Our client takes pride in creating a working environment that is both stimulating and enjoyable for their employees; and are dedicated to offering a good work-life balance. Further to the above, your package will include -
- Highly competitive renumeration package – Circa $100k - $115k + Super
- Stunning 4-bed homestead
- Ongoing personal and professional development
- Time in lieu