A herd manager manages the cattle herd on the farm, making sure they are well looked after, and works towards key performance targets, including environmental and financial goals.
Also known as herd supervisor, senior stockperson, assistant herd manager, stockman, stock keeper, farm supervisor, stockperson or herdsperson.
This profile highlights the skills and knowledge associated with the role. However, jobs will have varying responsibilities depending on level of the role and the size or type of the business.
As a herd manager, you can either work with cattle reared for meat (beef cattle) or milk production (dairy cattle). You’ll need to manage all staff working with the herd and regularly work together with the vets, advisers, and farm managers or owners.
You’ll also supervise less experienced staff and casual workers. As part of your role, you will recruit, train, and oversee the retention of new staff.
You’ll make sure cattle have the right amount of food and track their growth and health by keeping comprehensive records, generally using computer-based systems. This will help meet high animal welfare and customer standards.
You’ll ensure all your staff team work together to make sure cattle housing, fencing, and handling facilities are secure and safe to protect the animals.
You’ll need experience working with cattle and training staff on using and looking after farm technology, equipment, and machinery. You’ll also need experience with breeding livestock, looking after animals and the environment, health and safety, biosecurity, and a good understanding of how a profitable business works.
The role is often very rewarding, with opportunities to work with other industry professionals to develop the business and make decisions that are good for animal welfare, the environment, and farm sustainability.
You may need your own transport to get to work.
As a herd manager, your responsibilities might include:
To work as a herd manager, you should:
To become a herd manager, you’ll need extensive experience gained over several years working with livestock, usually as an assistant and possibly as a senior herdsperson. You could decide to study at an agricultural college or university first, where you’ll learn about managing and rearing livestock.
Look out for industry farm training programmes, such as the Next Generation scheme run by the National Farmers Union, that can help kickstart your career.
Reading farming newspapers, magazines, and websites will also develop your knowledge and understanding.
You should expect some weekend/out of normal hours working.
As a herd manager, you’ll be competent in all aspects of animal husbandry, including animal welfare, nutrition, and healthcare, as well as managing the environment. You’ll support successful livestock production through:
The salary for a herd manager is in the region of £28,000 to £45,000 per year.
This figure is for a full-time permanent position depending on level of experience, business type and location.
Within the agriculture and horticulture sectors there are often many associated benefits that are not reflected in the headline salary. These can include accommodation being provided or subsidised, travel pay, profit shares, vehicle use and production/performance bonuses.
As a herd manager, you might choose to develop your career further by moving on to the role of farm manager. To do this, you will need to further your experience in mentoring or supervising other staff. You’d also need experience helping an overall farm business become more productive.
You could also choose to move into other areas of livestock farming, such as working with different species, like sheep or pigs. Or you could specialise in a particular area of livestock health, such as nutrition.
Courses which can help you on this career path include:
City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate in Agriculture
City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Certificate in Agriculture
BSc Agriculture
Apprenticeships
Livestock Unit Technician Level 3
Assistant Farm Manager Level 4
Employers and recruiters who hire for this role include:
The employers and recruiters listed below hire for roles like this one. If you would like your business to be listed here, please click the button underneath the logos shown here.
https://www.4xtrahands.com/jobs
https://www.agrirs.co.uk/work-for-us
https://careers.cotteswold-dairy.co.uk/vacancies/vacancy-search-results.aspx
https://everestps.co.uk/milk-dairy/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1494447200599804
https://www.lklservices.co.uk/
For more information on career inspiration and lots of varied job profiles visit The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture’s website
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