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Herdsman – Registered Akaushi Operations

Carrollwood Farms is located in Stokes and Rockingham Counties. A family farm for generations to come, Carrollwood Farms is dedicated to showcasing and preserving the best of the region (to guests from near and afar) and is committed to being the best in all we do.

Job Title HERDSMAN (full-time salaried)

Reports To DIRECTOR OF GROUNDS AND INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE

Description

Herdsman is a full-time, salaried position requiring a flexible schedule including occasional evening and weekend work. As with all positions at Carrollwood Farms, the Herdsman may be called upon to work in areas outside of their immediate area of responsibility. The herdsman will have to work in response to the natural rhythms of the registered Akaushi herd and the farm – including working irregular hours during calving and hay crop season.

Key Responsibilities

• Livestock Care: The primary responsibility for this position is to oversee a registered Akaushi beef herd, currently numbering about 30 animals, with the size of the herd to grow to 100 or more. The Herdsman will be responsible for:
  • feeding and watering the herd, including providing minerals and other supplements
  • recordkeeping, including recording birth dates, obtaining birth weights, other weights, keeping track of sires and dams for all calves, keeping track of all lineage in the herd, documenting health issues for all animals, and other measurements as called for by best practices
  • vaccinations, deworming, fly control, other pest management measures
  • weaning
  • moving animals between pastures
  • maintaining livestock facilities including pens, corrals, sheds, and fencing
  • breeding decisions (including when to use AI or ET)
  • DNA collection (for registration)
  • ear tagging, dehorning, and castrating
  • pregnancy checks and health monitoring (in coordination with vet)
  • personally performing pregnancy checks and AI when appropriate
  • management of storage of semen straws, as appropriate
  • working with the herd consultant
• Ration Oversight: Be directly responsible for ensuring various cattle groups – heifers, bulls, feeders, dry cows, pregnant cows, etc. – have appropriate and individual rations. Be responsible for the storage of rations and delivery of rations to each cow group.
• Livestock Marketing: Lead the farm’s effort to market registered animals throughout the region and country, in conjunction with the herd consultant.
• Herd Improvement: Work with the herd consultant to identify animals in other herds and at sales which would improve the farm’s herd.
• Livestock Processing: The Herdsman will be responsible for moving animals to the processing facility and procuring processed meat. The Herdsman will be responsible for the MIJ camera (if used) and taking the camera to the processing facility and bringing it back. The Herdsman will be responsible for storing the data from the MIJ camera and providing it to management and ownership upon request.
• Crop and Hay Production: Participate in row crop and hay production and pasture management.
• Grain Processing: Participate in the harvesting of crops and assist in the oversight of grain storage and grain processing, including by using the farm’s roller mixer.
• Land related: Participate in the development and management of native warm-season grass for quail habitats. Bush hog and otherwise manage fields not in production. When necessary repair/install fencing.
• Equipment: Operate and perform maintenance on farm equipment including tractors (up to 200hp) and attachments including balers, discs, drills, planters, and more.
• Hunting: Participate in farm hunting operations (deer, turkey, and released birds), including animal processing/cleaning as needed.
• Data & Documentation: Be directly responsible for all livestock documentation. Participate in other farm documentation.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years in cattle production with experience in making breeding decisions, evaluating registered animals, and overseeing feeding and ration development. 2+ years experience in growing row crops, cover crops, and making hay.
• Strong knowledge in cattle health, reproduction, and nutrition
• Experience with calving, AI, and herd health protocols
• Proficiency in basic veterinary care
• Proficient in operating/calibrating complex farm machinery and hauling cattle trailers.
• Exceptional project management, time management, and a "no job is too small" work ethic.
• A positive mindset and a willingness to work hard.
• Flexible schedule.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
• Able to install and repair various types of fencing and gates.
• Ability to lift up to 70 lbs.
• Capable of bending, kneeling, twisting, and standing/walking for extended periods.
• Willingness to work in various weather conditions, including rain.
• A genuine love for cattle and husbandry.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in cattle showing and judging.
• CDL
• Pesticide license
• Knowledge of pasture and forage management
• Experience with registered cattle
• Experience with Akaushi
• Experience with AI and ET
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in animal science or related field

Salary and Benefits: Competitive, DOE.