Working Dairy Herd/Farm Manager

<p><strong>Location:</strong> 5 miles south of Holsworthy, West Devon</p> <p>An exciting opportunity has arisen on a well-established, family-run dairy farm in West Devon following the forthcoming retirement of a long-standing herd manager (21 years).<br /> This is a career-defining role, offering the chance to take responsibility for a highly-efficient dairy herd and, over time, transition into full farm management/equity share through a structured and supported succession plan.</p> <p><strong>The Farm</strong><br /> • 340-cow autumn block calving herd (tight 8-week block)<br /> • Forage-based system, self-feed silage (maize and grass silage)<br /> • Winter housed, paddock grazing when at grass<br /> • 20/40 Westfalia parlour (C21)<br /> • Cow Manager system with Uniform for herd data<br /> • Three-way shedding gate<br /> • Established family farm (since 1929)</p> <p><strong>The Role</strong><br /> Initially focused on day-to-day herd management, the successful candidate will:<br /> • Lead and manage all aspects of the dairy herd to a high technical and welfare standard<br /> • Take an active role in milking and day-to-day farm operations ("working manager")<br /> • Work closely with vet, nutritionist, and advisors<br /> • Maintain herd performance, health, fertility, and milk quality<br /> • Manage and develop the farm team</p> <p>Over time, the role will expand to include:</p> <p>• Grassland and forage management<br /> • Business performance, budgeting, and strategic input<br /> • Full farm management responsibility as part of a planned succession process</p> <p><strong>Candidate Profile</strong><br /> We are looking for someone who:<br /> • Has strong experience in dairy herd management<br /> • Demonstrates excellent stockmanship and attention to detail<br /> • Is practical, hands-on, and leads by example<br /> • Has the ambition and capability to progress into a senior management role<br /> • Possesses good people management and communication skills<br /> • Is keen to take on increasing responsibility over time</p> <p><strong>Package</strong><br /> • Competitive salary (dependent on experience)<br /> • 3-bedroom bungalow (central heating, council tax included)<br /> • Ongoing training and development<br /> • Genuine long-term progression opportunity.</p> <p>For an informal discussion or to apply, please contact <strong>Henry Hare</strong> on <strong></strong>.</p> <p><strong> No overseas applicants without a work visa </strong></p> <p>For a full list of our current vacancies please visit our website at </p> <p><br /> </p><img src="https://www.jobg8.com/Tracking.aspx?DLlfkpzUkdCoXrN2NVV2HKVJa7ajJvzmh" width="0" height="0" />