An exciting opportunity for a hard working and enthusiastic livestock manager to join our farming family and valued hardworking team. The successful applicant will be expected to take on responsibility for managing the day to day running of our suckler cow herd, sheep flock and small pig enterprise.
Our farm near Swindon, Wilts/ Oxon border, is a 400 acre diversified, family run, all grassland farm integrated with a successful Farm Visitor Centre and Farm Shop welcoming around 100,000 visitors per year. We have recently invested in a local 380 acre Farm just outside Faringdon adjacent to the River Thames. Historically an organic dairy farm, we are now adapting it to suit our beef suckler herd, sheep and pigs.
All livestock is finished on farm and reared to supply our own expanding in-house butchery and catering facilities.
Currently the farm comprises:
125 Pedigree Sussex suckler cows and progeny, with Spring, Summer and Autumn calving groups
360 breeding ewes and ewe lambs in 2 flocks lambing January and April, and all progeny
25 Gloucester Old Spot sows and progeny
We have recently substantially increased our breeding livestock numbers to supply our expanding butchery.
The successful applicant:
Will be expected to assist the family partners and work closely with the existing staff team to achieve our expansion aims and provide a regular consistent supply of quality animals to our butchery
Have good cattle and sheep knowledge along with the required day to day jobs on a farm, use their initiative when completing tasks and be enthusiastic to take on more responsibilities
Have a good understanding and attention to detail across all aspects of livestock production and grassland management and be confident at assisting calving cows, vaccinating and general husbandry
An understanding of herd genetics would be advantageous
Have experience lambing and routine sheep tasks
He/She will be responsible for the daily checks including feeding and management of all livestock, including record keeping
A good time keeper, quiet with stock, hard-working and enthusiastic to develop new skills as appropriate
Able to drive tractors/ forklift/ quad and appropriate machinery for a grassland farm and help with routine buildings/ surroundings maintenance, as well as woodland operations
Must be 25 years of age or older and have good communication skills to work as part of a dedicated team
Attention to detail and high standards of welfare and hygiene practices is essential
Positive can-do attitude is essential along with the ability to work to a high standard without supervision
Caring, passionate, driven, enthusiastic, competent individual with excellent eye for detail
Ability to work as part of a team
Flexibility and willingness to learn
Driving licence essential
This is a permanent long-term post, with a start date as soon as possible.
Salary will depend on experience.
Typically you will work approximately 40-45 hour week (including alternate weekend mornings to check and feed stock), but during peak times over time will be required, especially during calving and lambing.
On farm accommodation is available.
Please apply with your CV and covering letter.
