General Farm Worker

Job content

We are looking for a team orientated General Farm Worker to invest in our small team on our family farming business near Bridport, Dorset.

Our business:We have recently transitioned our herd from all year round calving to an Autumn block. This has enabled us to become more climate resilient with grass growing in the summer being a challenge. We calve our 150 Holstein cows from August to November, taking advantage of the limited summer grazing when cows are ending lactation. We milk through a 18:18 Herringbone with milk sold to Pattemores. We achieve very good performance, averaging 8,500 litres at 4.5 BF & 3.3 P and with Bactoscan at <15 and SCC <100. All milking cows are housed in sand free stalls with feeding access around each side of the main cubicle shed. We are passionate about using the best genetics available, utilising an AI service to breed all cows. We also use a contract Footrimmer fortnightly for routine trims. Replacement heifers are reared in house as we transition away from a flying herd. The aim of this is to drive technical performance and further improve herd health status. We feed TMR during the winter months comprised of grass and maize silage, alongside cake in parlour and a protein blend. We work closely with our local contractor to support the business with all foraging, slurry applications and cultivations. We complete topping, fertilising and routine maintenance in house.

The Role: We are looking for a team player General Farm Worker to slot in with the current settled long term small team on farm. Due to the scale of operation and the calving pattern, we would envisage the successful candidate to be involved in all aspects of farming activities, ranging from feeding cows using our feeder wagon, scraping yards and general young stock work during the winter months. In the summer months when cows dry, there would be more opportunity for topping, fencing and routine maintenance. We would also like the successful candidate to undertake one day of milking per week, as we believe that being able to complete all jobs on farm improves team working and investment in a rewarding working environment. There are no out of hours ‘on call’, allowing you to pursue out of work interests.

Skills, attitude & experience:The successful candidate will enjoy working collaboratively with the current small team on farm. You will be passionate about high animal welfare and contributing to produce high quality milk. You will thrive off a mixed breadth of tasks on farm and a varied daily routine. Previous experience is helpful, however a positive and embracing attitude is more important, being willing to push the farm forwards with the current team.

Pay & Reward: The offer includes an hourly rate starting at £12-£15/hour, which is dependent on the attitude, experience and commitment that you would bring to our family team. The contract is based on a 50-55 hour working week, starting at 7am and finishing around 5pm. With the one day a week milking, this would be split shift with only milking expected and a break in between. We are flexible with individual needs and are willing to accommodate alternative requirements if needed. During the summer months, there is no routine weekend work. During the winter months, there would be a Saturday morning shift only on weekends.

Location: The dairy is near the picturesque village of Chilcombe, located 4 miles from Bridport. The views from the farm are beautiful of the coast of Dorset and the surround valleys. The farm is just off the A35, will easy access to connecting local towns with a large variety of local amenities. We are conscious that having a work life balance is an important life choice, so offering a flexible working pattern will hopefully allow you to separate work and outside life.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: £12.00-£15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Company pension

Application question(s):

• Do you hold a UK Driving Licence?
• How many years of dairy farming experience do you have?
• This the employer is not licenced to provide sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Visa, please confirm you do not require a visa by answering ’no’ to this question.
• Please confirm the best email and phone number should we need to contact you about your application

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: General Farm Worker - Bridport