Company description

A project of the Foundation for Agricultural Integrity, Churchtown Dairy is a working Biodynamic farm that values care for the earth, plants, animals and people. We give attention to our work and to each other as we strive for quality in all our endeavors—our produce, our programs, and our human encounters.

As part of our work, Churchtown Dairy operates a 28-cow Biodynamic dairy farm located on 250 acres in Claverack, NY. Churchtown Dairy sells raw milk in its Farm Store along with award-winning cheeses made on site, beef and pork from our animals, medicinal products made from our biodynamic healing gardens, and assorted provisions from local farms, bakeries and makers. We offer a variety of programs and events to the general public including an open invitation to observe the twice-daily milking and walk our grounds at any time.

Job description

The Farm Manager is responsible for the oversight of all aspects of the farm organism, including staff, animals, equipment, fields and farm specific infrastructure. The Farm Manager directly oversees the Herd Manager and Milkers to ensure quality raw milk production and excellent animal health. They also oversee the Field/Forage team, who lead field work and forage production. An ability to communicate clearly and openly with leadership, management, co-workers, staff, and visitors is an essential aspect of this job.

Churchtown Dairy is led by a Leadership Team made up of the Department Heads. Meetings are held regularly where questions are raised, discussions are had, and decisions are made which align with the Churchtown Dairy Mission.

REPORTS TO: Board of Directors & Leadership Team

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership & Staff Management

• Maintain open communication with the Leadership Team about developments affecting the Farm’s operation and well being.
• Participate in weekly Leadership Team meetings to coordinate departmental actions and make organization wide decisions.
• Maintain an excellent Farm Team and continue the efforts to improve methods, systems, and overall farm health.
• Oversee and support Herd Manager to ensure animal health, milk quality, pasture health and proper milk house management.
• Oversee and support the Field/Forage Manager in the execution of all field, machine and infrastructure work.
• Ensure team dynamics are working well; maintain an “open door” policy and atmosphere encouraging the regular feedback and sharing of ideas from all Farm Staff.
• Meet weekly with the Herd Manager, Field/Forage Manager, and Farm Team to share information, refine goals and procedures, and identify areas in need of improvement.
• Develop annual departmental budget and review periodically to ensure financial accountability.
• Be on call for animal emergencies and staff absences as needed.

Animal Care

• Support Herd Manager in all their tasks:
  • Participate regularly and seasonally appropriate in the milking and other livestock related chores.
  • Oversee a successful Breeding Program ensuring the steady supply of raw milk for bottling and cheese making and meat for sale.
• With the Herd Manager manage all aspects of feed quality and needs including:
  • Continue and improve strategies to move towards a 100% grass fed herd.
  • Develop a dairy grazing plan for the year.
  • Ensure all pastures are grazed & amended properly to build long-term soil health.

Forage

• Support the Field/Forage Manager and participate in all aspects of winter forage (hay) production for all farm livestock.
• Manage, participate in, and support all farm, grassland, soil, and crop related work.
• Coordinate with off-site suppliers of forage for purchase, shipping and stacking.
• Improve field health and vitality on an annual basis through compost application, Biodynamic preps and animal grazing where appropriate.

Additional Duties

• Train and Supervise farm staff in the proper use and maintenance of farm equipment.
• Coordinate proper equipment upkeep through in-house maintenance & outside services.
• Maintain forage production and storage records during the season including field, quality, etc.
• Keep current on farm invoices and credit card bills.
• Assure completion of certifications for NOFA & Demeter.
• We know it's impossible to convey every single task for a particular job in a single job post. Our hope is that as we work together we can use this job posting as a starting point so that your role can evolve over time and we can adjust your job description accordingly.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ years of dairy farming experience
• 3+ years of leading a team of 5 or more
• Some experience farming Biodynamically is a must with a willingness to learn and advanced Biodynamic practices.
• Possess a comprehensive knowledge of technology including email, Microsoft Word and Excel, Dropbox, the G Suite or comparable software.
• Willing and able to work as part of a team.
• Able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly.Able to work long hours in extreme weather (heat, sun, wind, etc.) with times of physical exertion as the job demands.

COMPENSATION

This is a full time position working 40-60 hours a week, depending on the needs of the farm and season. Compensation for the position is $80-100K based on experience, with fully paid medical benefits, generous PTO, housing assistance if needed, retirement planning after 1 year, and a 25% discount on all goods in the Farm Store. For the right candidate relocation assistance may be provided.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $75,000 - $100,000

Application instructions

Deadline

April 30, 2023