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Head Herdsperson – Dorset

Employer
J W & P Marsh & Son
Location
Dorset
Salary
Competitive salary
Closing date
13 May 2021

Permanent position available for head herdsperson to manage 350 crossbred autumn block calving cows on an organic system. Our progressive, third generation family-run farm is located close to the coast between Dorchester and Weymouth with good road links, excellent schools and local amenities. The dairy has seen significant investment in the last two years, including full-spec parlour, cattle handling areas, cattle housing and new slurry lagoon.

The new head herdsperson will be milking the dairy with the aid of an assistant and will join a positive and progressive team on the farm.  We therefore seek a positive team player to progress the business into the future. 

The head herdsperson will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the dairy and must have proven experience in dairy herd management., The role involves working closely with the farm owners and maintaining high welfare and hygiene standards. Responsibilities will include milking, dairy hygiene, herd health, breeding and heat detection, foot care, record keeping, diet and grazing. Assistance from professionals in specific areas such as vets, nutritionists, contract foot trimmers and AI technicians help to keep the workload manageable.

The dairy unit was completely re-built in 2019 and consists of cubicles, complete cattle handling facilities, parlour, office, bulk tanks and machine room all under one roof. Cubicles are bedded with sawdust and treated with bio-lime daily while making use of tipping water troughs, auto scrapers and slurry slats. The parlour is a 2020 Fullwood-Packo Symphony swingover 24:48 making use of auto ID, segregatopm gate, ACR’s, Afimilk metres, cluster- flush, plant wash and rubber matting throughout.

The dairy herd consists of 350 crossbred cows, averaging 8000Kgs and calving in a 3 month block starting in August. Our cows graze pastures around the dairy with a good water system and are accessed via a cow track system. It would be helpful if the applicant has experience with grazing systems. The cows are housed through the autumn/winter months and fed a TMR.

Over the last 12 months the farm has also launched a successful milk vending machine.

We will offer a competitive salary with time off and a relief milker included as well as an on-site modern 3-bedroom cottage. 

If you wish to apply please click the apply button and send a covering letter and CV.  For an informal chat please ring 07968 727095.

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