Dairy Jobs in Hampshire

We currently have a vacancy on our dairy farm for somebody between 1st October 2022 (or before and 15th January 2023 to do some milking and join in with the rest of the team activities and duties on a dairy farm.
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The position is a practical job involving helping with the milking, the cow accommodation and quietly moving the cows to and from the milking parlour.  There may also be work with the calves and youngstock during this time.

The job is suitable for somebody, who is happy to work hard physically and also has an affinity for animals that gives them an ability to pick up and report when cows are not feeling so well and need further attention.

Previous experience of working with cows and driving tractors is an advantage but not essential as extensive training is provided to develop you to the level of skill required for the job.

Please scroll down for more details and if you are interested, drop an email to:
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jamie@meonsprings.com

keep in touch...

tHE faRM

Whitewool Farm is located in the Upper Meon Valley, between Winchester and Petersfield.

The Dairy runs 400 friesian holstein dairy cows that are autumn calved and graze in the Summer. 

​In the Winter, the cows are comfortably housed on sand bedded cubicles and it is part of your job to ensure that they remain comfortable an clean.

The farm also has an arable enterprise and non-farming activities, such as fly fishing, glamping and self storage that can be found on this website.

More can be found about the farm on the webpage www.meonsprings.com/farming

cow care work...

As well as milking, the job does involve a lot of practical work around the cows.  Moving cows from their yards to the milking parlour.  Keeping the sand bed cubicles clean of muck and bedded with sand.  Manual and machine work are needed.  Once out grazing in the Spring it will be getting cows to and from paddocks, moving fences, and feeding youngstock on the Downland.  

• 9.5-hour days through peak times
• Looking after two yards of deep sand beds and four yards of sand on mattresses.
• Bringing cows to and from the milking parlour.
• Identifying and flagging unwell animals and groups.
• Identifying less than standard welfare requirements - and rectifying.
• Raking beds, scraping out.
• Cleaning water troughs.

 
This position is hard work through the Winter but with favourable times.

Every other weekend off
1 day off every other week
Milking times 4 45am to 10am (latest)
 3.30pm to 6.30pm
Statutory annual holiday

The current team consists of 6 members.  Three English guys, one Spanish and two from Poland. 

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accommodation

Mobile home accommodation could be available with this job, if required.

technical aspects and skills

The work will involve assisting our team to with the technical aspects of monitoring cow health and welfare, whilst in their accommodation.   Ensuring that sick cows are identified and the herd is managed to a high level of cow comfort.

The job involves an ability to understand "cow signals".  If you are not already trained, we will train you in this.

Responsibilities and accountabilities:

1. Identifying and reporting sick cows or lame cows..
2. Caring for cow cubicle accommodation, following the unit’s protocols to ensure beds are clean and comfortable.
3. Safely operate farm machinery in order to scrape passages and bed up cows.
4. Develop relevant knowledge and skills to improve ability.

OUR REQUIREMENTS

Previous experience would be an advantage - however an affinity for cows, livestock and an outdoor life is more important.  It is also important that you have a keen commitment to learning and an enthusiasm for work.

You also need to be able to fit into a positive and hardworking team that will be keen to teach you what you need to know to do the work.

TERMS

We are aware of current inflationary pressures, therefore pay rates and terms are attractive for the industry.  The position will likely be salaried, with bonuses paid if working extra shifts.

Weekend work is required as are early mornings or late evenings (on different shifts).

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

Over and above the basics, we are keen to quickly develop or team members at Whitewool Farm to have a good understanding of stockmanship, machinery and teamwork. 

We do this by regularly reviewing your performance and helping you gain knowledge and skill, where necessary.