Livestock Manager

Windwhistle Farm is located in the Canterbury foothills near Mt Hutt and the Rakaia River. The farm is approximately 550ha and the main livestock programme's are bull beef, dairy heifer grazing, cow grazing and lamb finishing. The Livestock Manager position will report to the Manager and will be responsible for the livestock and grazing management. All livestock purchases, deliveries and sales will be negotiated by the Farm Manager. Crop and re-grassing establishment will be managed and implemented by the Farm Manager. The Livestock Manager will be responsible for one direct report and casual labour as required. It is expected that the Livestock Manager will contribute to all areas of operations as required by the Manager.

Strategic Direction and Planning The Livestock Manager will assist the Manager in setting the livestock strategy, including annual planning that will form part of the annual budget. The Livestock Manager will be responsible for implementing the agreed strategy and meeting both production and financial targets. The Livestock Manager will be responsible for short term weekly and monthly planning to ensure all tasks are completed on time and in an efficient manner.

Grazing Management and Feed Budgeting. Grazing management, including grazing rotations and feed budgeting are essential so that feed quality and utilisation is maximised and that the livestock have sufficient feed available throughout the year.

Livestock Management The Livestock Manager is responsible for the welfare and production of all livestock while they are on the property and must ensure that animal health programmes are implemented on time and the livestock are always optimally fed and watered.

Recording and Data Capture The Livestock Manager will be required to capture data required to monitor livestock production and welfare and financial performance.
Industry Best Practice and Compliance The Livestock Manager is expected to operate within industry best practise and be compliant with any internal, industry or regulatory compliance.

The Manager may also request other practises to be undertaken. It is important that the Livestock Manager and staff keep accurate and timely records to satisfy any internal or external compliance audits.

Infrastructure maintenance. The Livestock Manager will be responsible for maintenance of the property including buildings, fences, yards, tracks and the stock water scheme. Fences are expected to be maintained so they are stock proof, and electric fences must be kept operational. Water must be supplied to livestock at all times.

Vehicle and Machinery maintenance. The Livestock Manager must ensure the livestock staff use vehicles and machinery in a responsible and safe manner, minimising wear and tear. The Livestock manager is responsible for ensuring that all vehicles that the livestock staff operate are maintained and serviced and that WOF, RUC and registrations are kept up to date. Weeds and Pests The Livestock Manager is responsible for controlling weeds and pests, excluding those controlled within crops being grown.

Dogs The Livestock Manager is required to maintain a team of suitable dogs up to a maximum of 4 dogs. Dog food, registrations and worming will be paid for by Windwhistle Farm. Animal health and veterinary costs paid by Windwhistle Farm will be at the discretion of the Manager.

Accommodation A 3 bedroom house is supplied for the Livestock Manager to reside in. The rental value of the house will form part of the Livestock Managers remuneration and will be taxed accordingly. All electricity to be paid by the Livestock Manager.

Communication *The Manager The Livestock Manager will be required to actively communicate with the Manager and discuss planning and operational activities. It is expected you will meet at least weekly with the Manager. *Direct Reports The Livestock Manager must communicate effectively with the livestock staff and casual labour employed. This will require giving clear verbal and written instruction and leading by example.
*Office Administrator The Livestock Manager is required to communicate effectively with the office administrator with regards to financial budgeting, invoice coding and any other queries the office administrator may have.
*External Stakeholders The Livestock Manager will be required to communicate with and organise external parties such as neighbours, contractors, agents, vets and consultants as required.

Health and Safety The Livestock Manager will be responsible for implementing the Health and Safety Plan and ensuring that all staff and external parties are compliant.

Personal Attributes *Motivated to operate at a high standard. *Strong communicator. *Honest, tidy and hardworking. *Personable with an approachable manner. *Excellent livestock, grazing and general management skills. *Team player and willing participant. *Active learner. *Performance and Outcome Focused.