Working Dairy Herd/Farm Manager-West Devon-HHweb2858

Working Dairy Herd/Farm Manager-West Devon-HHweb2858

South West

Added 28 May 2026

Location: 5 miles south of Holsworthy, West Devon

An exciting opportunity has arisen on a well-established, family-run dairy farm in West Devon following the forthcoming retirement of a long-standing herd manager (21 years).

The Role

Initially focused on day-to-day herd management, the successful candidate will:

•    Lead and manage all aspects of the dairy herd to a high technical and welfare standard
•    Take an active role in milking and day-to-day farm operations (“working manager”)
•    Work closely with vet, nutritionist, and advisors
•    Maintain herd performance, health, fertility, and milk quality
•    Manage and develop the farm team

Over time, the role will expand to include:

•    Grassland and forage management
•    Business performance, budgeting, and strategic input
•    Full farm management responsibility as part of a planned succession process

Candidate Profile

We are looking for someone who:

•    Has strong experience in dairy herd management
•    Demonstrates excellent stockmanship and attention to detail
•    Is practical, hands-on, and leads by example
•    Has the ambition and capability to progress into a senior management role
•    Possesses good people management and communication skills
•    Is keen to take on increasing responsibility over time

This is a career-defining role, offering the chance to take responsibility for a highly-efficient dairy herd and, over time, transition into full farm management/equity share through a structured and supported succession plan.

The Farm

•    340-cow autumn block calving herd (tight 8-week block)
•    Forage-based system, self-feed silage (maize and grass silage)
•    Winter housed, paddock grazing when at grass
•    20/40 Westfalia parlour (C21)
•    Cow Manager system with Uniform for herd data
•    Three-way shedding gate
•    Established family farm (since 1929)

Package

•    Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
•    3-bedroom bungalow (central heating, council tax included)
•    Ongoing training and development
•    Genuine long-term progression opportunity

For an informal discussion or to apply, please contact Henry Hare on 07531 335294.

*No overseas applicants without a work visa*

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