Dairy Herdsman

About the Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced, motivated Dairy Herdsman to help take our 150-cow robotic milking dairy to the next level. This is an opportunity for someone who understands that great herd performance comes from attention to detail, sound management, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Our goal is to achieve an average of 100 pounds of milk per cow per day, and we need someone with the experience, initiative, and technical knowledge to help make that happen.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on dairy professional who understands robotic milking systems, takes ownership of herd health and production, and knows how to use herd data to make informed management decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive milk production: Develop and implement strategies to improve production, with a goal of averaging 100 pounds of milk per cow per day.
• Manage herd health: Monitor cow health, identify problems early, coordinate treatments, and minimize production losses.
• Optimize robotic milking: Monitor robot performance, milking frequency, cow traffic, refusals, and other key production indicators.
• Manage reproduction: Oversee heat detection, breeding programs, pregnancy checks, and reproductive performance.
• Monitor nutrition and body condition: Work with nutritionists and other advisors to ensure rations support production, health, and reproduction.
• Manage fresh cows and transition periods: Implement protocols that support smooth transitions into lactation and strong early-lactation performance.
• Track and analyze herd data: Use milk records, robot reports, and herd management software to identify opportunities and measure results.
• Maintain high standards: Ensure consistent milking routines, cow comfort, cleanliness, and overall herd welfare.
• Lead daily herd activities: Organize and prioritize work, maintain accurate records, and coordinate with farm ownership and other team members.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing a dairy herd and improving milk production.
• Hands-on experience with robotic milking systems and herd management software.
• Strong understanding of dairy cow health, nutrition, reproduction, and lactation management.
• Ability to interpret production data and turn findings into practical management improvements.
• Strong observation and problem-solving skills, with the ability to recognize changes in cow behavior, health, and performance.
• Self-motivated, accountable, and comfortable taking ownership of herd results.
• Effective communication and organizational skills.
• Willingness to work a dairy schedule, including weekends and occasional holidays as needed.

What Success Looks Like

• Progress toward an average of 100 pounds of milk per cow per day.
• Improved consistency in robot utilization, milking frequency, and individual cow performance.
• Strong herd health, reproduction, and transition-cow outcomes.
• Proactive identification and resolution of production challenges.
• A well-managed herd with clear performance goals and measurable progress.

The Right Candidate

We are looking for more than someone to complete daily chores. We want an experienced dairy professional who takes pride in the numbers, understands the details behind a high-performing herd, and is motivated to make measurable improvements.

If you have the experience and drive to help a robotic dairy reach its production potential, we would like to hear from you.

Compensation: Competitive pay based on experience and qualifications. Housing available. Health insurance, paid time off and 401k included.

Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person