Dairy Herd Manager

Position Title: Herd Manager

Department: Farm

Reports To: Director of Farm Operations

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Employment Status: Full-Time

Effective Date: April 2026

Position Summary: 

The Herd Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for the overall health, productivity, and welfare of a herd of 130+ Holstein cows across all life stages, including milking, dry, maternity, and young stock. This role directly impacts milk quality, operational efficiency, and the long-term sustainability of Wright’s Dairy Farm.

Working in close partnership with the Director of Farm Operations, the Herd Manager leads daily herd management, drives continuous improvement, and ensures best-in-class animal care practices. This position requires a hands-on leader who can balance strategic oversight with day-to-day execution while fostering a culture rooted in accountability, safety, and care—for both animals and people.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Herd Health, Production & Animal Welfare

• Lead all aspects of herd health management, including daily observation, early illness detection, diagnosis, and treatment
• Ensure the highest standards of animal welfare, biosecurity, and humane handling practices
• Oversee and execute breeding programs, including heat detection, AI coordination, and reproductive performance tracking
• Maintain accurate, timely, and actionable herd health and production records to support data-driven decision-making
• Partner with veterinarians and nutritionists to optimize herd performance, health outcomes, and milk production
• Monitor and continuously improve milk quality in collaboration with the Dairy/Creamery team
• Ensure proper calf care, development, and transition into the herd

Farm Operations & Continuous Improvement

• Oversee daily farm operations to ensure efficiency, cleanliness, and adherence to protocols across barns and milking systems
• Maintain full compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations related to livestock health, safety, and environmental standards
• Manage inventory of veterinary supplies, medications, and herd-related resources
• Track herd metrics including production, reproduction, culling, and replacements to meet operational and sustainability goals
• Identify operational gaps and implement improvements to enhance productivity, animal health, and workflow efficiency
• Support seasonal agricultural work including planting, harvesting, and feed management as needed
• Perform or coordinate minor maintenance of facilities and equipment to ensure safe and effective operations

Leadership & Team Development (LMA: Lead, Manage, Accountability)

• Lead, coach, and develop farm staff, setting clear expectations and holding the team accountable to performance and behavioral standards
• Model and reinforce Wright’s core values, maintaining a positive, respectful, and team-oriented culture
• Train employees on herd care protocols, safety practices, and operational procedures
• Provide real-time feedback, address performance concerns promptly, and support employee growth
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and retention efforts for farm team members
• Facilitate or contribute to regular team meetings to ensure alignment, communication, and continuous improvement
• Ensure all team members follow safety standards for both animal handling and equipment use

Required Competencies

• Deep expertise in dairy herd management, including animal health, reproduction, and nutrition
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to motivate, coach, and hold others accountable
• High level of organization with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Data-driven mindset with experience using herd management systems and production tracking tools
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally
• Mechanical aptitude with experience operating and troubleshooting farm equipment
• Ability to work independently while maintaining alignment with leadership goals
• Flexibility and resilience to work in varying conditions and respond to operational needs

Supervisory Responsibilities 

Direct supervision of Farm staff, including performance management, scheduling support, and day-to-day oversight

Travel

Occasional travel may be required for veterinary visits, continuing education, or supply/vendor coordination

Minimum Requirements

• Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred, in Animal Science, Dairy Management, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and hands-on dairy experience.
• 3–5+ years of progressive, hands-on experience in dairy herd management or farm leadership
• Strong working knowledge of herd health, reproduction, nutrition, and milk production systems
• Experience with herd recordkeeping and data management systems
• Ability to operate tractors, skid steers, and other farm equipment
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays

Preferred Certifications

• Artificial Insemination (AI) Certification
• Dairy Herd Management or Herd Health Training
• CPR/First Aid Certification

Position Type & Work Hours

• Full-time, year-round role
• Schedule varies based on operational needs
• Availability required on weekends and holidays, as farm operations run 365 days a year

Work Environment & Physical Demands 

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and climbing
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 50 pounds on a regular basis
• Ability to perform repetitive motions, including grasping, reaching, and handling equipment
• Ability to safely work in close proximity to large animals
• Sufficient visual and auditory acuity to monitor animal health, operate equipment, and maintain awareness of surroundings

Work Environment

• Work is performed primarily outdoors and in agricultural settings, including barns and milking facilities
• Regular exposure to varying environmental conditions, including extreme heat, cold, humidity, rain, and snow
• Frequent exposure to loud noise levels from machinery, equipment, and livestock
• Exposure to dust, allergens, manure, and agricultural chemicals, including cleaning and disinfecting agents
• Regular interaction with livestock, including potential exposure to unpredictable animal behavior

Safety Expectations

• Adherence to all company safety policies, procedures, and training requirements
• Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required
• Commitment to maintaining a safe working environment for self, team members, and animals
• Immediate reporting of hazards, injuries, and near-miss incidents in accordance with company policy