Farmer – Tablehurst Farm, East Sussex

We are recruiting a farmer to manage the farm’s dairy herd in line with biodynamic and organic standards, and to ensure the wellbeing and health of the cattle. The candidate must be willing and able to work as part of the team, or independently, in other areas of livestock farming. 

Tasks 

• Milking and caring for our 15-cow “calf at foot” dairy herd on a daily basis according to organic and biodynamic standards.

• Help out at other enterprises including beef, sheep, pig and poultry; silage and hay making and other farming tasks.

• Record keeping including registering births, deaths and other required information using the farm’s logging system.

• Monitor and manage animal health in line with the farm’s health management plan.

• Carry out daily checks of the animals, ensuring all issues are identified and dealt with promptly, and where necessary, escalated to the Farm Manager.

• Operate farm machinery in line with safe systems of work.

• Help with general maintenance of farm machinery, including repairs and servicing of farm vehicles and other machinery, and proactively identify repairs that are needed.

• Undertake other reasonable duties as required from time to time to support other farm team activities and as requested by the Farm Manager.

Seasonal tasks

The successful candidate will also work as part of the farm team in the following:

• Maintain fencing, including both static and electric fencing to required standards of safety and livestock control.

• Spread compost on fields in line with farm’s field management plans.

• Spray biodynamic preparations in line with farm’s schedules.

• Provide bedding and feed to livestock during wintertime.

General

All work is to be carried out in line with the farm’s health and safety requirements, and ensuring adherence to organic and biodynamic standards.

Location 

The role is based at Tablehurst Farm and land in the vicinity of the farm.

Hours

Hours are dictated by the seasons and depends on the needs of the farm and the livestock. Normal working hours are 42.5 hours over 5 days a week. Weekend working is required.

Holidays – 28 days (including bank holidays)

Package

Studio flat on the farm, breakfast and lunches

Employee shop and cafe discount

Skills required 

Essential:

• Farming experience with livestock, preferably dairy herds

• Full UK driving licence

• Good record keeping ability, including use of IT systems and apps

• Understanding of the importance of regenerative, organic farming

Desirable:

• Tractor driving experience (training can be provided)

• Experience of repairing and servicing farm machinery

• Understanding of organic and biodynamic approaches to farming

Other Specification:

• Dependable and reliable, able to work unsupervised and show initiative

• Able to carry out heavy physical work

• A passion for working with animals and their welfare

• Strong communication skills and really enjoys working as part of a team

• Keen interest in organic and biodynamic farming

• Flexible approach and willing to help in other areas of the farm when needed

• Willingness to learn and grow in the role

Note: The above is a description of the current needs of Tablehurst Farm and the role may be adapted based on the right candidate’s skills and experience.

Please send your application to [email protected] including a CV and a covering letter explaining why you are interested in this position and what you think you could bring to it.