JOB DESCRIPTION - DAIRY OPERATIONS MANAGER

 

Job Summary:

The Dairy Operations Manager will oversee the raw dairy enterprise at our Brunner Farm location. This is a working role that requires managing a herd of approximately 35-40 purebred Guernsey cows in grass-based operation that produces and sells high quality 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 provided while milking.

 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage daily operations of the raw dairy enterprise, including 6 AM and 4 PM milkings of approximately 20-24 cows, feeding and grazing, and barn and equipment cleaning.

• 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. 

• Refine herd genetics over time to transition to a 100% grass fed, productive, low-maintenance herd. 

• Serve as a key participant in weekly Farm Operations and Holistic Management planning meetings

• Potential opportunity to help develop a planned creamery operation at our Wisconsin farm location.

 

Qualifications:

• 5-10 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.  

• Strong background in adaptive grazing and pasture management.

 

Skills/Abilities:

• Keen observation skills

• High level of cleanliness and attention to detail

• Strong record-keeping skills

• Willing and able to work long hours during the peak grazing season

• Independent and dependable

• Self-motivated with high degree of initiative

• Excellent problem-solving skills

• High degree of integrity

 

 

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range $50,000 - $65,000 per year depending on qualifications and experience, plus annual incentive pay based on dairy enterprise financial performance.

• Paid time off

• Monthly food stipend

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To apply please send your resume and summary of relevant experience and qualifications to cliff@allgrassfarms.com