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Cow Farm Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cow Farm Manager information

What does a cow farm manager do?

A Cow Farm Manager oversees the daily operations of a dairy or beef cattle farm. This includes managing animal health and welfare, supervising staff, ensuring proper feeding and milking routines, maintaining farm equipment, and handling administrative tasks such as budgeting and record-keeping. The manager is also responsible for implementing biosecurity measures and complying with environmental and agricultural regulations. Their goal is to ensure the productivity and profitability of the farm while maintaining high standards of animal care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cow farm manager?

To thrive as a Cow Farm Manager, you need expertise in animal husbandry, farm operations, and business management, often supported by a degree in agriculture or animal science. Familiarity with herd management software, milking systems, and equipment maintenance is typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing staff and addressing daily challenges. These skills ensure productive, healthy livestock operations and efficient farm performance.

What are some common challenges faced by a cow farm manager and how can they be addressed?

Cow Farm Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining herd health, managing staff schedules, and ensuring optimal milk or meat production. Disease prevention and biosecurity are ongoing concerns, requiring diligence in monitoring animal well-being and adhering to veterinary protocols. Balancing operational costs with productivity, especially during fluctuating market conditions, is another key challenge. Effective communication with farmhands and collaboration with veterinarians, nutritionists, and suppliers help address these issues and maintain smooth farm operations.

What is the difference between Cow Farm Manager vs Dairy Farm Worker?

AspectCow Farm ManagerDairy Farm Worker
ResponsibilitiesOversees farm operations, manages staff, plans breeding and feeding schedulesPerforms daily milking, feeding, cleaning, and basic animal care
CredentialsExperience in farm management, sometimes certifications in agriculture or animal scienceBasic agricultural knowledge, on-the-job training often sufficient
Work EnvironmentSupervisory role, outdoor farm setting, administrative tasksHands-on work in milking parlors, barns, outdoor pastures
Industry UsageCommonly used in larger farms with multiple staffTypically found in smaller farms or as entry-level positions

The Cow Farm Manager oversees farm operations and staff, focusing on management and planning, while the Dairy Farm Worker handles daily animal care and milking tasks. Both roles are essential in dairy farming but differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cow Farm jobs in California?

The most popular types of Cow Farm jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Cow Farm Manager jobs in California?

For Cow Farm Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cow Farm Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Cow Farm Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Cow Farm Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cow Farm Manager job openings:

Dairy Night Herdsman

California Dairy Farms General Partnership

Hilmar, CA • On-site

$19.25 - $23.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 hours ago


Job description

We are seeking a dedicated Dairy Supervisor to lead daily operations and manage a designated dairy herd. This role ensures high-quality animal care and operational efficiency seven days a week, including holidays, while overseeing facility maintenance and team performance.

Responsibilities

  • Maintain an 8 pm to 6:30 am work shift Monday through Saturday with required flexibility for operational needs.
  • Plan and direct daily chores including parlor preparation, animal feeding, milking, pen management, and stall bedding.
  • Identify and respond to the health, environmental, and nutritional requirements of cows, heifers, and calves.
  • Supervise and train the dairy team on daily tasks, safety protocols, and sanitation procedures.
  • Utilize DC305 herd management software for data entry and reporting.
  • Manage feed inventory and enter delivery tags into the EZ Feed system.
  • Monitor feed bunks and adjust deliveries to maximize intake and minimize waste.
  • Ensure all milk shipments meet State Public Milk Ordinance and USDA cull cow requirements.
  • Coordinate with veterinarians, nutritionists, and vendors to maintain herd health and facility standards.
  • Conduct employee evaluations and manage staff scheduling using online time and attendance platforms.
  • Oversee facility cleanliness and report maintenance or repair needs to the Dairy Farm Manager.
  • Implement company policies regarding safety, harassment prevention, and progressive discipline.
  • Assist Human Resources with recruitment, onboarding, and employee separation processes.
  • Maintain administrative records, file paperwork, and manage supply budgets.
  • Remain on call 24/7 for animal emergencies and critical staffing matters.

Qualifications

  • High School diploma or GED with 5 years of dairy supervisory experience.
  • Valid California driver license.
  • Proficiency in DC305 herd management software and EZ Feed technology.
  • Knowledge of Cal/OSHA safety standards and California agricultural labor laws including meal and rest break policies.
  • Technical skills in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and mobile tablet devices.
  • Experience in milking parlor management and safe animal handling techniques.
  • Ability to work independently and lead a team in all weather conditions.
  • Bilingual in Spanish and English is preferred.
  • Associates or Bachelors degree in Dairy Science or Agriculture is preferred.
  • Strong communication skills for interacting with management, staff, and external vendors.