Job description
Prairie Crest Livestock Group is seeking a seasoned Livestock Farm Manager to oversee day-to-day operations at our diversified farm in Ames, Iowa. You will lead a small team, coordinate breeding and welfare programs, and drive production efficiency while maintaining top-tier animal care and compliance with industry standards. This is a hands-on leadership role for a proactive, data-driven professional who thrives in a rural farm setting.
As a cornerstone of our farming operations, you will implement best practices in housing, feeding, health surveillance, and record keeping to support sustainable growth and profitability.
Responsibility
- Oversee daily livestock operations across cattle, poultry, and small ruminants, including feeding, housing, monitoring welfare, and maintaining clean and safe facilities.
- Lead and develop a high-performing farm team; schedule shifts, provide training, enforce safety protocols, and foster a collaborative culture.
- Monitor animal health and biosecurity; implement vaccination and parasite control plans; coordinate with veterinarians and extension services.
- Track production metrics (growth, fertility, egg or meat yield) and implement data-driven improvements to feed efficiency and performance.
- Plan and manage breeding/reproduction programs, calving/lambing/hatched cycles, and culling as needed to optimize herd performance.
- Ensure compliance with animal welfare standards, record-keeping, traceability, and local regulations; prepare reports for stakeholders and auditors.
- Manage budgets, procurement, equipment maintenance, and facility upgrades to ensure reliable operations and cost control.
Qualification
- Minimum 3-5 years of hands-on livestock farming or farm management experience.
- Strong knowledge of animal welfare, biosecurity, disease prevention, and welfare regulations.
- Experience with breeding programs, herd health, and veterinary coordination.
- Proficiency with farm management software and record-keeping systems.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills; ability to train and motivate staff.
- Ability to plan feed strategies, monitor nutrition, and optimize feed costs.
- Physical stamina with ability to perform demanding tasks and work flexible hours; valid driver's license and experience operating farm equipment.