Dairy Manager (m/f)

Description

• The Manager Milk is responsible to implement and manage the herd strategy through the application of specialist knowledge on the operational management of the total dairy herd including milk production and quality, herd growth, herd reproduction, herd comfort, herd health, people management, financial management and high-level reporting to achieve the strategic initiatives of the division and critical success factors of the business

Duties

• Implement and manage the herd strategy in line with operational and strategic goals and objectives of the business unit
• Support, implement and manage the dairy strategy in line with operational and long-term strategic goals and objectives of the organization
• Responsible for operational management through continuous improvement of the milk parlour hygiene, milking procedures, milking times, mastitis, health control and milk quality control in bulk tanks. hygiene, health, quality control of colostrum, Heifer, Steam-up, Maternity and Calf house management and heifer fertility management
• Monitor the growth rate of heifers and calves monthly and decide if the heifers and calves who did not achieve the desired grow rate should be culled
• Report any observations regarding feed availability, feed quality and health observations daily
• Consult on ration formulation, sign off on agreed rations
• Monitor the feed intake and take corrective action to maximize intake and minimize losses
• Management of breeding and bull selection through continues improvement of processes and procedures on breeding, herd selection and bull selection
• Check on the overall condition of cow houses and implement a preventative maintenance plan
• Responsible for the financial management of the department in line with the organization procedures and policies including annual budget preparation, monthly cost centre controls, SAP approvals and releases and capex requirement, decision paper preparation, gain approval and implement projects
• Prepare and submit accurate and timeous reports on feed requirements, herd growth projections and milk volume projections as and when required
• Responsible for the operational management through continuous improvement of animal health by planning for yearly vaccinations and treatment schedules according to herd health history and control of medicine, identification and treatment of sick animals and close interaction with veterinarian
• Render dairy herd management through the application of specialist knowledge on daily operations relating to milk production & quality, herd fertility, herd growth, herd health and herd comfort
• Perform regular servicing and repairs as required on Milk Stable, Rotary Table, Milk Tanks, and related equipment
• Monitor the work of contractor as per service level agreement, address and report concerns immediately
• Prepare and control annual budget, monthly cost centre controls, forecasting and reporting
• Lead all aspects of Health and Safety compliance within area of responsibility in line with policies and procedures
• Identify, mitigate, and manage associated Risk and Security matters
• Effectively lead and direct the Milk Team

Requisites

• An Honours Degree or Postgraduate Degree in Agricultural Science specialized in animal health and nutrition
• 8 years appropriate work experience in dairy farming
• Extensive knowledge on dairy production and value chain processes
• Extensive experience in fertility planning and artificial insemination
• Proven track record of increasing milk production while reducing costs
• Working knowledge of milking machines and other dairy equipment
• Strong understanding of herd health and nutrition
• Preferred Advantageous:
• A minimum of 3 years’ managerial experience in dairy farming will be an added advantage
• Knowledge of the Afikim herd data & DTM/LMI management System

Notes

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted