Job description
Prairie Crest Farms, a leading dairy operation near Madison, WI, is hiring a Livestock Farm Manager to lead daily herd care, production, and welfare initiatives. This role blends hands-on animal care with data-driven farm management to optimize milk yield, animal health, and overall farm profitability. This is a growth-focused role for a motivated professional who thrives in a fast-paced agricultural environment.
Key responsibilities include overseeing milking schedules, pasture and feed programs, facility maintenance, and strict biosecurity and welfare standards. You will lead a team of farm workers, coordinate veterinary care, and ensure regulatory compliance while implementing continuous improvement projects.
What we offer: competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, ample opportunities for professional development, and a supportive, safety-first culture.
Responsibility
- Oversee daily dairy operations, milking schedules, equipment maintenance, and facility hygiene.
- Monitor herd health and nutrition; coordinate vaccination, medical treatment, and preventive care with veterinary partners.
- Manage feed inventories, rations, and storage to optimize production and minimize waste.
- Lead and develop a team of farm staff; schedule shifts, training, and performance feedback.
- Enforce rigorous biosecurity, animal welfare, and safety protocols across the operation.
- Track performance metrics (milk yield, somatic cell counts, fertility) and implement data-driven improvements.
- Coordinate with maintenance teams on repairs and capital projects; ensure compliance with regulations and record-keeping standards.
- Plan pasture layout, manure handling, and environmental stewardship initiatives to support sustainable farming.
Qualification
- Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in livestock farming; dairy farm experience preferred.
- Strong knowledge of milking systems, cow comfort, nutrition basics, and herd health management.
- Proven leadership and team-management skills; ability to train and motivate staff.
- Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational abilities.
- Ability to work in physical, outdoor, and early-morning environments; flexibility with shifts.
- Proficiency with farm management software and data recording tools; basic Excel/SQL skills helpful.
- Valid driver's license; forklift certification or ability to obtain one is a plus.
- Dedication to biosecurity, animal welfare, and safety standards.