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Farrowing Manager Jobs in Decorah, IA (NOW HIRING)

WFR

Assistant Farm Manager

Waukon, IA · On-site

Supports Farm Manager with overseeing and being actively involved in all sections of the sow farm including all areas of breeding and farrowing, management of employees, understanding of barn ...

WFR

Animal Scientist - TN Visa Professional

Waukon, IA

$162K/yr

Being actively involved in all sections of the sow farm including all areas of breeding and farrowing, management of employees, understanding of barn operations and coordinates a backup for finishing ...

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Farrowing Manager information

What is a farrowing manager?

A Farrowing Manager is a specialized professional in the swine industry responsible for overseeing the birthing process (farrowing) of sows and the care of newborn piglets. Their duties include monitoring sow health, assisting with deliveries, ensuring proper nutrition, and managing the overall environment in farrowing facilities to maximize piglet survival and growth. Farrowing Managers play a crucial role in maintaining herd productivity, animal welfare, and biosecurity standards on pig farms.

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

To thrive as a Farrowing Manager, you need expertise in swine reproduction, animal husbandry, and farm management, often supported by a degree in animal science or related experience. Familiarity with herd management software, biosecurity protocols, and automated feeding or climate control systems is typically required. Strong leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing staff and ensuring animal welfare. These skills ensure optimal piglet survival rates, operational efficiency, and compliance with industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by farrowing managers, and how can they be addressed?

Farrowing Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining optimal sow and piglet health, managing biosecurity protocols, and ensuring timely farrowing assistance. Balancing these responsibilities requires keen observation skills, prompt decision-making, and effective communication with the broader livestock team. Staying updated on best practices in animal welfare and collaborating closely with veterinarians and farm staff can help address these challenges and ensure successful farrowing outcomes.

What is the difference between Farrowing Manager vs Sow Herdsman?

AspectFarrowing ManagerSow Herdsman
CredentialsExperience in pig production, farm management skillsExperience in pig care, basic farm skills
Work EnvironmentSupervises farrowing facilities, manages staffHands-on care in sow housing areas
Industry UsageUsed in commercial pig farms, large-scale operationsCommon in breeding farms, smaller operations

The Farrowing Manager oversees the entire farrowing process, staff, and facility management, ensuring piglets are born and raised efficiently. The Sow Herdsman focuses on daily care and management of sows, supporting the breeding program. While both roles require experience in pig production, the Farrowing Manager has broader responsibilities including supervision and operational planning, whereas the Sow Herdsman concentrates on sow health and welfare.

What job categories do people searching Farrowing Manager jobs in Decorah, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Farrowing Manager jobs in Decorah, IA are:

What cities near Decorah, IA are hiring for Farrowing Manager jobs?

Cities near Decorah, IA with the most Farrowing Manager job openings:

Farrowing Manager jobs near you

Assistant Farm Manager

Waukon Feed Ranch Inc

Waukon, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Position Overview:
This role will also involve management of a modern day, state of the art farrow to wean, sow farm. This position is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual who is looking to take their skillset and career to the next level and contribute to the growth and success of our company.
Essential Job Responsibilities
  • Supports Farm Manager with overseeing and being actively involved in all sections of the sow farm including all areas of breeding and farrowing, management of employees, understanding of barn operations
  • Provide leadership for the farm staff, be a role model, delegate work assignments, and hold team accountable
  • Ensure operational aspects of farm are taken care of appropriately including making sure equipment is functioning properly, feed systems and feed quality are monitored, and maintenance and repairs and completed.
  • Assists Farm Manager to ensure financial success of farm-overseeing payroll, supplies, maintenance/repair budgets, and production reports
  • Have excellent communication with all team members, WFR Swine Management Team, and WFR Staff.
  • Participate in assigned training sessions and leadership meetings to support professional growth and contribute to organizational development
  • Provide leadership and guidance to develop staff to their fullest potential through comprehensive training, effective onboarding, and clear delegation of responsibilities.
  • Manage, coach, and mentor team members while promoting an inclusive, positive work environment.
  • Foster collaboration by balancing individual and team priorities, placing the success of the team first, and supporting everyone's efforts to achieve organizational goals.
  • Complete paperwork, record keeping, and farm ordering
  • Ensure the highest standards of animal wellbeing by verifying that all animals receive proper feed, water, ventilation, and overall care.
  • Shipping and receiving animals
  • Treating animals
  • Heat checking and breeding sows and gilts via artificial insemination
  • Assisting with the birthing process of sows and gilts including sleeving
  • Caring for piglets and ensuring they are off to a good start
  • Moving animals with a sort board
  • Cleaning facilities including power-washing, disinfecting, scraping manure, picking up cleanings, and removing deceased animals
  • Weaning piglets from their mothers and giving wean shots
  • Processing piglets including castration, docking tails, tattooing, and giving injections
  • Following the proper steps for timely euthanasia
  • Pen management, culling, sorting
  • Keeping detailed, accurate records that comply with integrator
  • Testing via blood/saliva samples as needed
  • Understand & follow WFR's biosecurity protocol, must shower in and out of the facility
  • Understand & follow WFR's animal welfare policy
  • Understand & follow WFR's handbook and procedures
  • Work respectfully with a diverse team
  • Maintain PQA+ certification

Reasonable Accommodations Statement: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position.
Requirements
Education and Experience
  • 1 year in the swine industry with proven leadership ability or actively fulfilling an MIT or leadership position in our system

Qualifications
  • Strong leadership
  • Ethical
  • Strong interest in work with animals with a desire to learn and self-develop
  • Self-motivated team player with a positive attitude
  • Strong prioritization and organizational skills
  • Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
  • Ability to stand, walk and be on feet for 8 to 10 hours a day
  • Ability to frequently bend, reach, squat & kneel
  • Capable to do repeated actions
  • Effectively communicate with team members

Work Environment
  • Schedule: Must work scheduled days and hours, will work weekends and extra hours as needed. Must work full time, a minimum of 80 hours each pay period.
  • Environment: indoors and outdoors, dusty environments, hog farm. Nosie level is usually moderate to loud.
  • Travel: Requirements are limited. May have to travel occasionally for meetings, supplies, etc.

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