Churchtown Dairy

A project of the Foundation for Agricultural Integrity, the Churchtown Dairy is a working farm that intends to serve as a beacon for those working to promote regenerative agriculture and restorative communities.  We strive to raise public awareness of the positive impacts ecological agriculture can have on ecosystems, communities and economies.  We also endeavor to create a healing environment by imbuing all our work with beauty--the buildings, the landscape and the economic and social systems within which we work.

As part of our work the Churchtown Dairy operates a 28-cow grass-fed Biodynamic dairy farm.  We strive for excellence in the care of our herd, the land and our raw milk products. 

The Assistant Dairy Farm Manager will perform and assist with day-to-day and seasonal farm chores and is integral to the smooth and successful running of the Dairy.  Ability to communicate with farm management, co-workers and visitors is key.   

Reports To:          Dairy Farm Manager

Responsibilities:

• Assist Dairy Farm Manager in planning, directing delegating and performing daily farm chores related to the physical milking operation in a timely and organized fashion including raw milk bottling and documentation of milk production
• Ensure excellent dairy barn/milk room hygiene, cleanliness, and quality milking practices are maintained according to Churchtown Dairy protocols
• Maintain a high quality, healthy Bio-dynamic dairy herd by identifying and responding to health, environmental and nutritional requirements in consultation with Dairy Farm Manager
• Work with Dairy Farm Manager to ensure proper and respectful care of young-stock and beef animals
• Work with Dairy Farm Manager to develop and implement calving patterns and breeding strategies
• Participate in all aspects of winter forage (hay) production for all farm livestock.
• Participate in, and support all Farm, grassland, soil, and crop related work, such as manure spreading, application of BD preparations, brush hogging, pasture maintenance, etc.
• Assist with maintenance, care, and repair of farm equipment and machinery
• Maintain daily documentation in farm journal
• Work collaboratively to grow a healthy farm community while maintaining open and collegial working relationships
• Provide feedback on long-term farm plan and review with Farm Manager annually or as needed
• On a rotating basis, be on call 24/7 for animal care
• Assist with training of Assistant Dairy Farmers
• Engage in on-going education to keep up-to-date with best farming practices
• Communicate in a professional and respectful manner with all staff
• Engage with visitors in a warm and positive manner
• Participate in monthly full-farm meetings
• Other duties as assigned 

Requirements:

• At least three years of farming experience, preferably dairy
• Ability to work with cows in a respectful manner and/or willing to learn
• Interest in and/or openness to Biodynamics
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Experience with farm machinery including tractor and skid steer
• A commitment to strive for best farming practices 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work with cows in a respectful manner
• Strong organizational skills including the ability to manage multiple projects and details simultaneously
• Ability to maintain recordkeeping systems and procedures
• Analytical ability to gather and summarize data, ability to problem-solve and prioritize work