Dairy Operations Manager
Full TimeJob Description
Job Summary:
The Dairy Operations Manager will oversee the raw dairy enterprise at our Brunner Farm location in Dundee, Illinois. This is a working role that requires managing a herd of approximately 40-50 purebred Guernsey cows in grass-based operation that produces and sells high quality A2A2 raw milk through an on-site farm store. We utilize organic feed and practices in our operations, but at this time only our Wisconsin farmland is certified organic. All cows are A2 genetics and 90% grass fed, with a small ration of organic grain and minerals provided while milking.
Primary Responsibilities:
• Manage daily operations of the raw dairy enterprise, including once-a-day milking of approximately 20-24 cows, feeding and grazing, and barn and equipment cleaning. Plan is to transition back to twice-a-day milking when new manager is in place.
• Manage dairy pastures using regenerative best practices to achieve optimal animal nutrition and continuous improvements in soil fertility and biological activity
• Consistently improve production and quality in the raw dairy enterprise, increasing income/profitability and reducing expenses where possible
• Manage dairy pasture, barn property and infrastructure to maintain a neat, tidy, and inviting presence for visitors, customers, and the community at large
• Maintain production, health, and calving records for the herd
• Manage inventory and ordering of all dairy supplies including organic feed, hay, straw, minerals, supplements, milking supplies, etc.
• Manage reproductive schedule for the dairy herd (currently with a bull), including scheduling veterinary visits for pregnancy checks, calving schedules, and pre-and post-calving cow care.
• Test milk samples on a weekly basis and submit monthly milk samples to accredited labs to maintain our raw milk permit.
• Serve as a key participant in weekly Farm Operations and Holistic Management planning meetings
Qualifications:
• 2-5 years of dairy operations experience, preferably in a managed grazing operation
• Detailed knowledge of dairy operations including cow management, dairy nutrition, reproduction, calving, cow health issues, and milking equipment operation and maintenance.
Skills/Abilities:
• Keen observation skills
• High level of cleanliness and attention to detail
• Strong record-keeping skills
• Independent and dependable
• Self-motivated with high degree of initiative
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• High degree of integrity
Compensation and Benefits
• Compensation range $60,000 – $70,000 per year depending on qualifications and experience, plus annual incentive pay based on farm financial performance.
• Paid time off
• Monthly food stipend
• Potential for equity participation in the farm business after 12 months of tenure
How to Apply
Qualified applicants please email cover letter with resume/work history to cliff@allgrassfarms.com.875 total views, 3 today