Farm Manager - Cattle at Farm Managers SA

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• At least three years’ experience within beef cattle farming
• Extensive, all-round experience in beef cattle management and general farm management.
• Proven experience managing cattle herds and farm staff.

Practical knowledge and experience in:

• Cattle inoculation
• Dipping
• Branding
• Dehorning
• Breeding management
• Calving management
• Cattle handling
• Identifying sick animals
• Identifying animals close to calving
• Cattle counting and herd management
• Knowledge of common cattle health conditions and diseases, including redwater, heartwater and gallsickness, and an understanding of the appropriate action to take.
• Pregnancy testing (preg testing) experience is highly advantageous.
• Experience in general agricultural/farm management.

Experience in diesel mechanics, including the ability to service and maintain:

• Tractors
• Farm vehicles
• Farm machinery
• Welding experience.
• Must be able to drive a tractor confidently and safely.
• Knowledge and experience of planting lands is advantageous.
• Code 10 driver's licence is preferred, or at minimum, proven ability and willingness to drive a truck.
• Experience with firebreaks and firefighting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with farm staff and management.
• Must be able to speak at least one of the following languages: isiXhosa (first choice) or Sesotho.
• Strong leadership and delegation skills.
• Must be able to establish and maintain a clear professional boundary between management and staff.
• Must be able to give clear instructions and ensure that those instructions are properly understood and carried out.
• Must be comfortable providing daily written updates and reports via WhatsApp.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED

• Strong leadership ability and confidence in managing people.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Takes initiative and does not wait to be told about every task that needs attention.
• Practical, hands-on approach to farming and maintenance.
• Flexible and adaptable, understanding that farming does not operate according to a strict 9-to-5 schedule.
• Neat, organised and methodical in both work and working areas.
• Reliable and responsible.
• Able to prioritise tasks and manage multiple farms simultaneously.
• Willing to take instruction from the farm owner and able to accept, understand and implement instructions correctly.
• Strong sense of accountability and follow-through.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO

• Farm & Livestock Management
• Staff Management
• Farm Maintenance & Infrastructure
• Vehicles, Machinery & Equipment
• Fire Management
• Communication & Reporting
• General Farm Management