Meredith Dairy, manufacturers of farmhouse goat and sheep milk cheeses and yoghurt, sources goat milk from 7 suppliers, some of whom are owned by Meredith Goat Farm P/L (MGF), and all whose management is provided by MGF this includes, labour requirements, nutrition, reproductive calendar and breeding programs, animal health and welfare programs.
Goat Dairying is an emerging industry in Australia for which optimum management practices are being developed. In addition to the routine work of milking, feeding, and caring for the goats, the farm staff manage a genetic improvement program, a disease control program, a research program aimed at improving feed efficiency, herd health and welfare, and reproductive parameters.
Our Vision
To produce food, sustainably
Our Mission
Grow food, raise animals, produce milk and make accessible, quality dairy products. We will tread lightly on this earth, allowing the environment and our community to flourish.
Meredith Goat Farmers, are looking for someone who is passionate about dairy with a love of the animals and farming, conscious and able to carry out all duties safely and efficiently. A can do, problem solving attitude that looks to evidence-based solutions to develop systems for standard work to achieve continuous improvement productivity and animal health.
This position will combine hands-on animal care with modern farm technology to optimize herd performance and milk production. The below tasks are representative of the routine day to day operations as well as duties to managing the health, breeding, and nutrition of our dairy goats.
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Key Responsibilities
* Assist with the 12-month breeding program this includes artificial insemination and pregnancy testing, required to achieve year round milk supply in line with milk demand.
* Assist with the collection of DNA, data collection and sample management, report and analysis data as required.
* Monitor goat health, nutrition, and behaviour, as well as participating in research that will provide recommendations for improvements for both animal welfare and production.
* Both administer and provide training and guidance to staff on medications, vaccinations, and treatments as required, provide timely reports on the success of treatments and the parameters that contribute to successful treatments. Document and recommend safe and standard work.
* Support milking operations, ensuring safety, quality, hygiene and animal comfort. This will require an understanding of the milking system programming and operation.
* Monitor and examine environmental factors influencing goat health, growth, and production.
* Maintain accurate records of milk yield, health data, and breeding cycles, provide reports as required.
* Operate and maintain farm technology systems for herd management.
* Ensure compliance with biosecurity and animal welfare standards and food safety standards.
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To be successful in this position you will require.
* Relevant qualifications: AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Associate Degree in Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, or related field
* Skills: Demonstrated experience and knowledge of dairy goat management, nutrition, and health care; familiarity with farm technology systems.
* Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication skills.
* Understanding of Lean systems would be an advantage but not essential