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Calf Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The Corporate Feed Nutrition & Quality Manager provides strategic leadership for all feed and nutrition programs across the Feedlot, Swine, Cow/Calf, and Feed Mill operations. This position is ...

Calf Manager information

See Michigan salary details

$24.8K

$54.6K

$98.9K

How much do calf manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for calf manager in Michigan is $54,615.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,200.00 and $60,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a calf manager?

Calf Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the health, nutrition, and general care of young cattle (calves) on a farm or agricultural facility. Their duties include monitoring calf health, managing feeding schedules, ensuring proper housing, and implementing disease prevention measures. Calf Managers play a crucial role in ensuring that calves grow into healthy, productive adult cattle, often working closely with veterinarians and farm staff. Their expertise helps improve herd quality and farm profitability.

What are some of the common challenges a calf manager faces during the calving season?

During the calving season, Calf Managers often encounter challenges such as monitoring the health of newborn calves, managing large numbers of births in a short timeframe, and ensuring proper nutrition and timely colostrum intake. They must also quickly identify and address issues like illness, injury, or mother-calf bonding problems to minimize mortality rates. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work long, irregular hours are essential to successfully navigating these demanding periods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a calf manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Calf Manager, you need a solid understanding of animal husbandry, calf nutrition, and basic veterinary care, often supported by experience or education in animal science or agriculture. Familiarity with herd management software, feeding equipment, and health monitoring systems is typically required. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help ensure calf well-being and coordinate with farm staff. These skills are crucial for promoting healthy calf development, minimizing losses, and contributing to the overall productivity of the dairy operation.

What is the difference between Calf Manager vs Calf Care Specialist?

AspectCalf ManagerCalf Care Specialist
CertificationsTypically requires animal husbandry or dairy farm certificationsOften requires similar certifications, focusing on calf health and welfare
Work EnvironmentOversees calf rearing areas, manages staff, and ensures proper facilitiesProvides direct care to calves, monitors health, and administers treatments
Employer & IndustryDairy farms, livestock operations, agricultural companiesDairy farms, livestock facilities, animal care organizations

The Calf Manager generally has a supervisory role, overseeing calf rearing operations, while the Calf Care Specialist focuses on direct animal care and health monitoring. Both roles require similar certifications and work in comparable environments, but differ mainly in scope of responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Calf jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Calf jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Calf Manager jobs in Michigan?

For Calf Manager jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Calf Manager jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Calf Manager jobs in Michigan are:

Infographic showing various Calf Manager job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,615 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Livestock Nutrition/Data Manager

Niewohnerbros

Albion, MI • On-site

$85 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop and oversee feed and nutrition programs across multiple livestock operations.

  • Ensure feed quality, consistency, and nutritional balance to maximize animal performance.

  • Collaborate with various departments to improve operational efficiency and maintain regulatory compliance.


Job description

The Corporate Feed Nutrition & Quality Manager provides strategic leadership for all feed and nutrition programs across the Feedlot, Swine, Cow/Calf, and Feed Mill operations. This position is responsible for developing nutrition programs, ensuring feed quality and consistency, improving animal performance, reducing feed costs, maintaining regulatory compliance, and supporting operational excellence across all company locations.

The position works collaboratively with Operations, Veterinary Services, Commodity Procurement, Feed Mill personnel, and Department Managers to maximize profitability through superior nutrition management and continuous improvement.

SAFETY
  • Promote and model a culture where safety is the highest priority.
  • Ensure all feed operations comply with OSHA, FDA, EPA, and company safety standards.
  • Conduct routine safety inspections of feed mills, feed delivery systems, and feeding operations.
  • Identify and correct safety hazards related to feed manufacturing, storage, and delivery.
  • Develop and implement safe operating procedures for feed production and handling.
  • Participate in accident investigations and implement corrective actions.
  • Ensure employees receive required safety and regulatory training.
  • Support biosecurity and animal health protocols across all locations.
  • Maintain compliance with feed medication and feed safety regulations.
QUALITY
  • Develop and oversee company-wide feed quality assurance programs.
  • Ensure consistency of feed manufacturing across all feed mills.
  • Formulate nutritionally balanced rations that maximize animal performance.
  • Review laboratory feed analysis and nutritional reports.
  • Evaluate ingredient quality and approve ingredient substitutions.
  • Audit feed manufacturing accuracy, batching, and mixer performance.
  • Monitor feed sampling programs and quality control procedures.
  • Standardize feed operating procedures across all facilities.
  • Continuously improve feed quality and nutritional consistency.
  • Collaborate with veterinarians and consulting nutritionists to optimize herd health.
PRODUCTIVITY
  • Improve feed efficiency and feed conversion ratios across all livestock operations.
  • Monitor Average Daily Gain (ADG), feed intake, and overall production performance.
  • Evaluate feed delivery systems and feeding efficiencies.
  • Audit bunk management and feeding accuracy.
  • Monitor feed inventory, shrink, and usage.
  • Implement process improvements that increase operational efficiency.
  • Utilize data analytics to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
  • Develop and monitor department Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
  • Assist with new technology implementation to improve productivity.
TEAMWORK & LEADERSHIP
  • Build strong working relationships with Feedlot, Swine, Cow/Calf, Feed Mill, and Farming leadership.
  • Provide technical guidance and nutritional expertise to operational teams.
  • Train and mentor Feed Leads, and Feeding Personnel.
  • Develop educational programs on nutrition, feed quality, and best management practices.
  • Work collaboratively with the Company Nutritionist, Purchasing, Veterinary Services, Operations, and Executive Leadership.
  • Assist in hiring, onboarding, and developing feed personnel.
  • Foster accountability, communication, and teamwork across all company locations.
  • Promote continuous learning and employee development.
  • Support company culture through positive leadership and coaching.
STRATEGY
  • Develop long-term nutrition strategies that improve profitability and animal performance.
  • Evaluate emerging feed technologies and nutritional research.
  • Standardize feeding programs across all company locations.
  • Develop annual nutrition improvement initiatives.
  • Analyze industry trends and recommend operational improvements.
  • Lead feed quality audits and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all feed operations.
  • Support expansion projects involving feed mills, livestock facilities, and feeding systems.
  • Present feed performance and recommendations to Executive Leadership.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
  • Manage feed costs while maintaining optimal animal performance.
  • Analyze cost of gain and feed conversion performance.
  • Monitor feed cost per ton and ingredient pricing.
  • Assist Commodity Purchasing with ingredient evaluations and procurement decisions.
  • Reduce feed shrink and inventory losses.
  • Develop and manage department cost forecast.
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities through improved nutrition and operational efficiencies.
  • Monitor financial KPIs and provide monthly reports to leadership.
  • Evaluate return on investment for feed additives and nutritional programs.
  • Ensure efficient utilization of feed resources across all operations.
  • Eventually oversee feed purchasing for operational efficiencies/effectiveness
Minimum QualificationsEducation
  • Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Animal Nutrition, Agricultural Sciences, Feed Science, or a related field.
  • Master's degree in Animal Nutrition is preferred.
Experience
  • 3-5 years of progressive experience in livestock nutrition, feed manufacturing, or feed quality management.
  • Multi-site leadership experience preferred.
  • Experience with feedlot, swine, feed mill, and cow/calf nutrition.
  • Financial management and strategic planning experience preferred.
  • Proven leadership and project management skills.
Knowledge & Skills
  • Beef and swine nutrition
  • Feed formulation software
  • Feed manufacturing and quality assurance
  • Commodity markets and ingredient evaluation
  • Financial analysis and cost management
  • Regulatory compliance (FDA, OSHA, EPA)
  • Data analysis and reporting
  • Leadership, coaching, and communication
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Physical Essential Functions
  • Sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and reach throughout office, feed mill, and livestock environments.
  • Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds occasionally.
  • Operate a motor vehicle and travel frequently between company locations.
  • Navigate uneven terrain, stairs, ladders, catwalks, and elevated work areas safely.
  • Use computers, mobile devices, and office equipment for extended periods.
  • Maintain visual and auditory ability to inspect equipment, evaluate feed quality, review reports, and communicate effectively.
  • Work in indoor and outdoor agricultural environments with exposure to dust, noise, livestock, machinery, weather extremes, and other environmental conditions.
  • Wear and properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE) while performing job duties.
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