Pedigree Head Stockman job - Somerset

We are looking for a dedicated Head Stockman to take on the day to day running of our herd of pedigree British White Cattle on our Estate in South Somerset, reporting to the Farm Manager. The herd consists of 200 breeding females plus followers and is the largest herd of British White cattle in the world. The herd forms the core part of a larger farming enterprise with all beef reared to finishing for use in the onsite hotel, restaurants and farm shop.

The herd is split between spring and autumn inside block calving with replacement heifers reared in house and with a strong emphasis on the sale of homebred heifers and bulls at society sales throughout the year. The showing of cattle also plays a key part of our herd, and we take great pride in the promotion of the rare breed across both agricultural and wider public communities. The role will form part of a 10 strong farm team therefore the candidate must work well within a team as well as be independent when work needs carrying out on their own. The farm is part of the premium cattle health scheme and Red Tractor assured, with animal welfare at the core of our decision-making process.

The right candidate will have the following:

1. Extensive experience in running a suckler herd, ideally working with pedigree cattle, specialising in producing top quality meat for our butchery as well as breeding heifers and bulls.
2. It is essential the candidate will have extensive calving experience, with the confidence to make the correct decisions when calving, working closely with our experienced local veterinary practise.
3. Knowledge of the premium cattle health schemes and data capture to create EBVs within our herd in addition to keeping up to date medicine records.
4. Drive to improve the herds performance over the coming years.
5. Passion for showing cattle or willingness to learn.
6. Tractor and telehandler experience would be desirable although day to day tractor work is carried out by other team members.
7. Ability to keep a clean and tidy yard, with the presentability of the herd being important across the wider Estate.

The role comes with a competitive salary based on experience, house and the use of a farm truck for day-to-day tasks. In addition, lunch is provided in the staff canteen as well as other staff benefits such as the use of spa and gym facilities, access to the award-winning gardens and discount in the farm shop and across the wider Estate businesses.