Dairy Farm and Herd Operations Manager

The Dairy Farm and Herd Operations Manager leads all aspects of herd health, milk production, and daily farm operations, with direct accountability for animal welfare, operational performance, and business outcomes. This hands-on role is responsible for an excellent herd of high-producing, healthy, registered Holsteins across all life stages, including milking, dry, maternity, and young stock. The herd is housed at one cow per deep-bedded sand stall and milked 2x in a double-ten parallel parlor. It averages 90 lbs of milk at 4.3% BF and 3.4% protein, with SCC under 150,000.

This Manager partners closely with the Director Crops to plan and execute the herd's forage inventory and quality needs, and pitches in when it's time to "make hay while the sun shines."

As a key part of Wright's "Cow-to-Customer" model, this role ensures the highest standards of herd care while driving the milk quality, efficiency, and consistency of our customers' experience. We're looking for a business leader who can balance strategic decisions with day-to-day execution in a fast-paced, 365-day environment, and who builds a culture of accountability, safety, and care for both animals and people.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

Herd Health, Production & Animal Welfare

• Lead and oversee all aspects of herd health management, including daily observation, early illness detection, diagnosis, and treatment decisions
• Establish and maintain best-in-class animal welfare, biosecurity, and humane handling practices
• Own reproductive performance, including heat detection, breeding strategy, artificial insemination coordination, and pregnancy tracking
• Partner with veterinarians and nutritionists to optimize herd health, milk production, and long-term sustainability
• Ensure high-quality calf care, development, and successful transition into the milking herd
• Maintain accurate, timely, and actionable herd health and production records to support data-driven decision-making
• Drive continuous improvement in milk quality metrics in collaboration with the Dairy team

Farm Operations & Business Performance

• Oversee daily farm operations to ensure efficiency, cleanliness, and adherence to all protocols across barns, milking systems, and facilities
• Drive operational performance by optimizing feed utilization, labor efficiency, and herd productivity
• Monitor and manage key herd and operational metrics, including production, reproduction, culling, and replacement rates
• Identify operational gaps and implement improvements to enhance productivity, workflow efficiency, and cost management
• Manage inventory of veterinary supplies, medications, and herd-related resources
• Oversee maintenance and functionality of farm equipment and facilities, coordinating repairs as needed

Leadership & Team Development (LMA: Lead, Manage, Accountability)

• Lead, coach, and develop farm staff, setting clear expectations and holding the team accountable to performance and behavioral standards
• Build and maintain a high-performing, safety-focused, and team-oriented culture aligned with Wright's core values
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, and workforce planning to ensure consistent coverage for a 365-day operation
• Train team members on herd care protocols, safety practices, and operational procedures
• Provide real-time feedback, address performance concerns, and support employee development and retention
• Partner with HR and leadership on hiring, onboarding, and performance management initiatives
• Facilitate regular team communication to ensure alignment, accountability, and continuous improvement

Strategic Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Lead ongoing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance herd performance, operational efficiency, and team effectiveness
• Analyze data and trends to identify opportunities and implement solutions that improve outcomes
• Partner with leadership to support long-term farm strategy, sustainability efforts, and operational growth
• Contribute to cross-functional initiatives that strengthen alignment between farm operations and the broader Wright's business

Compliance, Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure full compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations related to livestock health, environmental standards, and workplace safety
• Maintain audit and inspection readiness at all times
• Enforce safety protocols for animal handling, equipment use, and workplace practices
• Identify, address, and proactively mitigate operational risks
• Ensure proper use of PPE and adherence to all company safety policies
• Promote a culture of safety, including reporting and addressing hazards, injuries, and near-miss incidents

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Milk production and quality metrics (SCC, bacteria counts, yield)
• Reproductive performance (pregnancy rate, calving intervals)
• Herd health outcomes (illness rates, mortality, treatment effectiveness)
• Labor efficiency and operational productivity
• Compliance and audit readiness
• Team performance, engagement, and retention

Required Competencies

• Deep expertise in dairy herd management, including animal health, reproduction, and nutrition
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to motivate, coach, and hold others accountable
• Data-driven mindset with experience using herd management and production tracking systems
• Strong operational and business acumen
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• High level of organization with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Mechanical aptitude with experience operating and troubleshooting farm equipment
• Ability to work independently while aligning with organizational goals
• Flexibility, resilience, and a strong sense of ownership

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct supervision of Farm staff, including performance management, scheduling support, and day-to-day oversight

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree required; Bachelor's degree preferred in Animal Science, Dairy Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of progressive, hands-on experience in dairy herd management and/or farm leadership
• Proven experience leading teams in an agricultural or production environment
• Strong working knowledge of herd health, reproduction, nutrition, and milk production systems
• Experience with herd recordkeeping and data management systems
• Ability to operate tractors, skid steers, and other farm equipment
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record

Preferred Certifications

• Artificial Insemination (AI) Certification and current KPI's to prove ability
• Dairy Herd Management or Herd Health Training
• CPR/First Aid Certification

Position Type & Work Hours

• Full-time, year-round role
• Schedule varies based on operational needs
• Availability required on weekends, holidays, and as needed to support a 365-day operation
• This role requires a high level of ownership and responsiveness to urgent herd or operational needs

Travel

Occasional travel may be required for veterinary visits, continuing education, or supply/vendor coordination

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Physical Requirements

The employee is regularly required to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8–12 hours per shift)
• Frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb
• Use hands to handle, grasp, reach, and operate tools and equipment
• Lift, carry, push, and/or pull:
• Up to 50 pounds frequently
• Up to 75 pounds occasionally
• Perform repetitive motions involving hands, arms, and shoulders
• Maintain balance and coordination while working on uneven, wet, or slippery surfaces
• Work in close proximity to large animals and moving equipment

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in agricultural and outdoor environments, including barns, milking parlors, and open fields.

The employee is regularly exposed to:

• Varying environmental conditions, including extreme heat, cold, humidity, rain, and snow
• Wet, muddy, uneven, and slippery surfaces
• High noise levels from machinery, equipment, and livestock
• Dust, hay, feed, and airborne agricultural particles
• Animal waste, manure, and strong odors
• Chemicals, including cleaning agents, disinfectants, and veterinary products

This role involves direct and frequent interaction with livestock, which may present unpredictable behavior and physical risk.

Safety-Sensitive Position

This position is considered safety-sensitive due to:

• Operation of farm machinery and equipment
• Handling and proximity to large livestock
• Exposure to environments where inattention could result in injury to self or others

Employees must maintain the ability to perform duties safely at all times.

Wright's Dairy Farm & Bakery is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We operate a drug-free environment and adhere to ADA regulations as applicable.

Apply Here

PI287382286