Farm Manager

The primary objective of the Sow Farm Unit Manager is to develop, manage, and maintain a highly efficient and successful sow unit operation. This position carries a significant level of responsibility and requires a deep commitment to excellence. The manager must possess the ability to effectively lead and inspire the farm production team to achieve and exceed established production goals while ensuring the well-being of livestock.

Key Abilities

• Reading and Writing Skills: Proficient in reading and interpreting technical manuals, safety protocols, and regulatory documents. Capable of writing clear and comprehensive reports.
• Computer Skills: Familiarity with farm management software and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.) for record-keeping, data analysis, and communication.
• Attention to Detail: Exceptional focus on details to ensure all operations meet quality and health standards, including animal welfare and biosecurity protocols.
• Organizational Skills: Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and ensure the farm functions smoothly on a daily basis.
• Responsibility and Commitment: Strong work ethic demonstrating a high level of personal accountability and dedication to the team's success.
• Math Skills: Intermediate math skills for calculating feed conversion ratios, breeding rates, and other necessary production metrics.
• Collaborative Attitude: Working effectively with others and fostering a positive team environment.
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, ensuring understanding across diverse team members.

Physical Job Requirements

• Lifting: Frequent lifting of objects weighing between 5 lbs and 25 lbs, with occasional lifting of heavier items, up to 75 lbs, as necessary for equipment and supplies.
• Physical Endurance: Capability to exert significant physical effort, including resisting a 25 lb pressure hose for extended durations, as well as engaging in activities such as bending, stretching, walking, squatting, pulling, pushing, and lifting throughout the work week.
• Work Environment: Must adapt to a loud and dusty setting while interacting closely with both large (sows) and small animals (piglets), requiring vigilance and care.

Work Environment

• Conditions: The farm operates in a challenging environment marked by noise and dust, necessitating proper ventilation and hygiene practices.
• Animal Interaction: Responsibility for the care and management of both large and small livestock, ensuring their welfare and health at all times.

Responsibilities

• Farm Activities: Develop, delegate, and oversee farm work activities, ensuring all tasks align with production goals and practices.
• Policy Compliance: Monitor adherence to company policies and procedures, ensuring all staff are trained in biosecurity and safety protocols to mitigate risks.
• Cleanliness Standards: Maintain a clean and organized work environment, with a schedule for regular cleaning of farm entrances, break areas, and communal spaces to promote health and safety.
• Training and Development: Train, develop, and mentor the production team, enhancing their skills and knowledge to improve performance and productivity.
• Employee Management: Oversee new employee training and orientation processes, ensuring all staff understands their roles and responsibilities.
• Performance Documentation: Manage and document team performance through routine follow-ups and performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback.
• Biosecurity Protocols: Ensure farm staff, visitors, and contractors strictly adhere to internal and external biosecurity protocols at all times to safeguard animal health.
• Accurate Record Keeping: Ensure the production team maintains complete, accurate, and legible records, submitting production reports to relevant parties by established deadlines.
• Production Management: Responsible for meeting all production targets related to breeding and weaning age, utilizing metrics to assess productivity goals.
• Project Coordination: Oversee the completion of special projects on the farm, coordinating resources and team efforts to achieve desired outcomes.
• Herd Health Testing: Partner with the Sow Production Manager to schedule and oversee quarterly blood tests to monitor herd health and productivity.
• Animal Welfare: Ensure animals receive proper nutrition, welfare, and medical treatment regularly, collaborating with veterinary teams as needed.
• Safety Training: Conduct regular safety training, ensuring all farm staff and visitors are familiar with company safety procedures and protocols.
• Regular Meetings: Attend production and training meetings that may require occasional travel
• Inventory Management: Maintain accurate inventory records for medicines and farm supplies, ensuring availability when needed.
• Emergency Response: Respond to alarm calls after normal hours in the event of farm system malfunctions, demonstrating reliability and readiness to act.
• Time Card Management: Review and approve staff timecards by payroll deadlines to ensure accurate payment and compliance.

Other Responsibilities

• Attendance: Maintain regular and reliable attendance, ensuring consistent workflow and team support.
• Miscellaneous Duties: Perform other duties as assigned by the Sow Production Manager that contribute to the efficient operation of the farm.

Requirements

• A degree in agriculture is preferred; however, significant and proven work experience in the field may be accepted as an alternative.
• Must currently have authorization for U.S. employment

We are looking for an experienced Sow Farm Unit Manager in Columbia, Missouri. The ideal candidate will ensure efficient sow unit management, prioritize livestock well-being, and meet production goals.

Key responsibilities include managing daily farm activities, ensuring safety and biosecurity compliance, maintaining cleanliness, training the production team, and overseeing herd health and production metrics. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills are essential, as well as proficiency in technical documents and farm management software.

If you are passionate about farm management and animal welfare, we encourage you to apply!