Company description

Caney Fork Farms (CFF) is a diversified regenerative organic farm in middle Tennessee. Our mission is to inspire others with living proof that regenerative organic farming in our region benefits farmers, the environment, and the community. CFF produces mixed vegetables, chestnuts, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, and pasture-raised pork, and we sell them directly to consumers in our region. Our work is centered around the soil, focusing on carbon farming practices that store atmospheric C02 below ground. In addition to farm production, we have a robust research program studying different organic agriculture methods and how those methods impact soil health, carbon sequestration, and overall agroecosystem health. We organize and share the information we have learned with other stakeholders.

We are a fun and exciting workplace filled with challenges and opportunities to expand your knowledge. We believe in the work we are doing, and we take ownership of it. The work environment is communal and nurturing, and we believe in having hard conversations, holding each other accountable, and building trust through vulnerability. We foster a safe space for walks of life.

We share in the 5 Caney Fork Farms Core Values, and the right candidate will also.

Be Good to Each Other
Do the Hard Stuff that Matters
Honor Relationships
Be Curious and Innovative
Farm Holistically For an Abundant Future

Job description

INTRODUCTION

The Pig Production Lead (PPL)is part of the livestock department, reporting directly to the Head of Livestock. As part of the livestock department, their primary role is to work with the team to carry out much of the hard work that makes the way we manage our livestock as a regenerative farm so special. This includes rotating all livestock through pastures, intentional, creative pasture management, and maintaining a high degree of animal welfare. They work directly with cattle, sheep, pigs, and dogs.

The PPL is responsible for coordinating and overseeing effective pig management from breeding all the way to slaughter. The PPL ensures that the sows are bred & farrow successfully, and that all pigs are fed, healthy, on fresh pasture as much as possible and that their needs are met at all times.

The PPL has no direct reports, but will be responsible for leading crews on an as-needed basis. It is the responsibility of the PPL to work with the Head of Livestock to ensure department availability for pig project needs by looking ahead in the pig holistic grazing plan and life cycle calendar, as well as in response to day-to-day needs.

This position works with the direction and support of the Head of Livestock, but has a considerable level of autonomy and responsibility, and will require strong initiative and organizational skills. The Head of Livestock, in consultation with the department, will set operational guidelines and provide training in their execution, but the PPL will also bring ideas for methods, systems and products, and will be given space to explore these when they are aligned with departmental goals and constraints.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Implement and maintain grazing plans that optimize animal health, performance, and land regeneration in coordination with the livestock team
Execute daily animal care routines efficiently and to high welfare standards, and escalate any health or welfare concerns immediately to the Head of Livestock and Ruminant Health Specialist
Maintain farm infrastructure (fences, gates, barns, equipment) in good working order and communicate maintenance needs to the Head of Livestock and Maintenance Manager
Design and lead the livestock team in executing a holistic grazing plan specific to the pig enterprise
Plan and coordinate all pig life cycle activities (breeding, farrowing, weaning, finishing) to ensure on-schedule execution through comprehensive annual calendar management
Maintain thorough, accurate, and current records of all pig-related activities and production metrics

OVERSIGHT AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Conduct detail oriented animal welfare & health checks
Rotate livestock through pastures according to a holistic grazing plan
Be part of the team in working all livestock for weights, vaccinations, and minor veterinary care
Operate equipment for pasture maintenance and renovation & other projects as needed
Trailer livestock, equipment, feed, etc. between farm properties and to processing facilities, etc.
Carry out small repairs, maintenance, renovations, and other projects as needed
Lead the livestock team in pig fencing setups and moves
Select and order semen for breeding
Keep track of timing for heat checking & breeding sows
Keep track of farrowing timing and lead set up to get sows ready
Keep track of piglet vaccination / castration timing & supply inventory
Keep track of piglet weaning timing and lead livestock team in carrying out logistics
Monitor available pig feed levels and lead team in grinding & transporting feed as needed
Update pig feeding board & ensure livestock team is aware of any changes & nuances
Support the Head of Livestock in evaluating if pigs’ finishing time is not lining up with processing dates
Lead livestock team in getting pigs out of the field and weighing them before processing
Monitor all pig health and alert livestock team of any needed health or nutritional interventions
Keep thorough & up to date records of all pig inventory, health, breeding, birthing, feeding, and feed

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $15-20/hr

Application instructions

If you are not registered, you'll be prompted to do so. Don't worry, it's free!

Deadline

no deadline