Dairy Cattle Farmer

JOB ADVERTISEMENT FOR EMU SPRINGS DAIRY PTY LTD

• Offering a balanced, lasting career in the dairy industry.
• Permanent Full-time position
• Located at Tintinara, 5266, South Australia

Who are we?

EMU SPRINGS DAIRY PTY LTD is an industry leading dairy cattle farming business operated by three Australian families and based in Tintinara, regional South Australia. Our dairy cattle farming business has operated since 2017. We milk 980+ cows, producing more than 7.5 million litres of milk annually for the Australian domestic market.

Position

We are seeking a full-time Dairy Cattle Farmer to work alongside us in our dairy cattle farming business. The position will involve the planning, organising, controlling, coordinating and performing farming operations to breed and raise dairy cattle for milk, meat and breeding stock under the supervision of the Managing Directors.

The Dairy Cattle Farmer will be required to work in all aspects of strategic management and planning, management of day-to-day farming operations including milking harvesting and droving, shed management, herd management, youngstock management, feed management and delivery, animal husbandry, pasture production and cropping, plant equipment and infrastructure maintenance, and administration.

Main Tasks:

Milk Harvesting

• Identify and correct problems in the machine function and operation as they arise.

• Identify and correct unsafe and unacceptable milking practices.

• Train others in correct milk harvesting technique.

• Oversee adherence to quality assurance programs.

• Organise staff involved with the dairy routine.

• Oversee the cleaning up procedure and preparation for the next milking.

Animal Husbandry

• Determine ration and deliver to replacement heifers.

• Monitor growth rates against targets.

• Administer drenches, vaccines, mineral supplements and other appropriate animal husbandry.

• Coordinates and schedules activities such as breeding, calving and weaning.

• Organise mating program for rising 2-year-olds.

• Select cows for AI, assist with semen selection.

• Mark inseminated cows and keep insemination records.

• Apply heat detection aids, identify, record, mark and draft cows on heat, segregate and prepare for insemination.

• Plans and coordinates the breeding and raising of dairy cattle for the production of milk, meat and breeding stock.

Feed Management and Delivery

• Be involved in determining pasture availability based on growth rates and rotation length.

• Be involved in its allocation including setting up rotation plan and use of temporary fencing.

• Set up, operate and monitor concentrate feed delivery equipment at dairy and elsewhere on farm. Be involved in the processing of concentrates to deliver the prescribed ration.

• Oversee the sourcing and reticulation of water to stock to meet their requirements.

• Be involved in setting the herd ration, and delivery to all groups of cattle. Includes understanding of dietary requirements based on production, cost and availability, balancing rations and use of additives.

Pasture Production and Cropping

• Be involved in determining paddocks to lock up for forage conservation and the most appropriate time of harvesting.

• Be involved in implementing the irrigation program including monitoring and maintenance of irrigation equipment.

• Follow weed management policy on farm. Monitor and determine most appropriate treatment for pasture and crop pests.

Plant Equipment and Infrastructure Maintenance

• Maintain and develop paddock infrastructure including fencing, water reticulation, laneways, drainage and shelter belts. Maintain and develop stock handling facilities, shedding and feeding areas.

• Implement the dairy maintenance schedule including replacement of rubberwear, routine machine testing and maintenance of equipment.

Administration

• Ensure the farm business is compliant with workplace legislation including OH&S requirements. Be involved in the implementation of risk management strategies.

• Be involved in the maintenance and evaluation of records of dairy farming activities, monitors market activity, and plans production accordingly.

• Be involved in the organisation of a roster for all staff including allocation of tasks. Be involved in the communication system including staff meetings, whiteboards, use of telecommunication equipment and message protocols.

Key requirements

• At least a bachelor degree or higher-level qualification; or five (5) years of recent and relevant Dairy Cattle Farmer work experience in lieu of formal qualification.
• At least one year of full-time work experience is required.
• Driver licence (C Class) required, machinery experience preferable.
• A strategic thinker and problem solver.
• A team player capable of working both within the team and independently.
• A calm, mature and grounded personality.
• Able to demonstrate low-stress stock handling skills and maintain a high standard of animal welfare.
• Honest, reliable and dependable.
• Demonstrate attention to detail.
• Significant prior dairy experience working at a high level within a team and individually.

Remuneration

An attractive salary package of $78,000.00 - $90,000.00, plus superannuation, depending on work experience and qualifications is offered. Guaranteed overtime and/or accommodation provided may form part of this package.

The specific package offered will depend upon the meeting the above selection criteria and demonstrated experience. Leave and other entitlements are paid as per the National Employment Standard (NES). Penalties and overtime paid at Pastoral Award 2020 rates as applicable.

We are committed to developing our Dairy Cattle Farmer and providing opportunities for personal and professional growth within the business.

Candidates who meet the criteria are encouraged to send their resume to Andrew at andcam.dairy@gmail.com

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $78,000.00 – $90,000.00 per year

Work Authorisation:

• Australia (Preferred)

Work Location: In person