Herd Manager - County Wexford, Ireland - €50,000-€65,000 + Accommodation + Bonus

Herd Manager

Herd Manager - County Wexford, Ireland-€50,000-€65,000 +Accommodation + Bonus

The Job

We are recruiting an experienced Herd Performance Manager to join a progressive dairy farming business in County Wexford. This is a hands on position for someone who wants to take responsibility for improving herd health, fertility, milk production and overall farm efficiency. You will work closely with the farm management team and external specialists, using a combination of practical stockmanship, herd information and modern technology to monitor performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor herd health, fertility, milk production and overall performance, identifying issues early and putting appropriate actions in place
• Support the management of calving, transition and early-lactation cows, with a strong focus on maintaining animal health and performance
• Contribute to grazing, feeding and forage management, with a focus on maintaining good nutrition and rumen health
• Support breeding and fertility programmes and monitor progress against agreed targets
• Use herd records, data and technology to assess performance, identify trends and support management decisions
• Monitor robotic milking performance, cow flow and general herd interaction with the system
• Work alongside vets, nutritionists and other specialists to implement practical improvements
• Monitor youngstock performance and contribute to maintaining high standards of animal welfare and husbandry
• Help improve overall efficiency and profitability through practical, measurable changes
• Work closely with the wider farm team and take ownership of agreed areas of herd performance

The Company

A progressive dairy farming business with a focus on efficient milk production, strong animal husbandry and modern farming practices.The business combines a grass based system with modern technology and is committed to continually improving herd performance and farm efficiency.

The Candidate

• Strong practical dairy experience, ideally within a commercial herd, with a good understanding of herd health, fertility, nutrition, milk production and transition management
• Good knowledge of grazing, forage and feeding systems, with an understanding of how these influence cow health and performance
• Comfortable working with herd records, data and modern technology to monitor results, identify trends and support management decisions; robotic milking experience would be advantageous
• Excellent stockmanship with strong cow observation skills, a practical approach and the confidence to make decisions and follow actions through
• Commercially aware and motivated by improving herd performance, efficiency and profitability, rather than simply maintaining existing standards
• Good communication and organisational skills, with the ability to work effectively with the farm team, vets, nutritionists and other external advisers
• Relevant agricultural, animal science or dairy qualification would be beneficial, alongside a willingness to continue developing knowledge and skills

The Package

• Salary €50,000-€65,000 per annumDOE
• Private on farm accommodation
• Pension contribution
• Performance related bonus
• Professional development and training support
• Training available for candidates who have strong dairy experience but limited robotic milking experience
• Opportunity to develop further expertise across herd management, fertility, nutrition, grazing and dairy technology
• Potential for progression into a wider dairy management role

Candidate Requirements

• All applicants must hold a minimum of an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role applied for. Candidates must also have the legal right to work in the UK or hold a valid visa permitting employment.