Gernaat Dairy is looking to hire a full-time Herdsperson in Falmouth, MI (about 17 miles east of Cadillac, MI) to provide daily care, management, and health of the dairy herd. This is a hands-on, physically demanding role that requires reliability, attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and a genuine interest in livestock welfare and farm operations.
We are a family-owned, 3,000-head dairy. We pride ourselves on operating a progressive dairy farm offering high quality milk to our customers. Our team prides itself on working together to be a solid, efficient, positive, and well-organized team.
We offer a competitive hourly wage based on experience. Potential hours for this position will be 5am-5pm.
Key Responsibilities
- Observe cows daily for signs of illness, injury, lameness, or abnormal behavior.
- Follow all farm protocols
- Detail oriented
- Assist with herd health tasks
- Administering treatments, vaccines, and breeding shots
- Identifying and marking animals for the veterinarian at herd health
- Moving animals to and from pens around the farm
- Manage RFIDs and SCRs for the cows
- Dry-Off procedure
- Manage sick pen and all down cows
- Be able to work alone or as a team: dependent on the chore
- Communication
- Maintain accurate records: Using DairyComp 305 and SCR
- Keep facilities clean and organized (office, drug room, treatment areas, vehicle)
What we're looking for: A qualified candidate must be detail oriented, have an interest in continuing to learn, livestock, and have strong time management skills and be a team player.
- Must be capable of setting priorities and working under pressure.
- Must be able to multi-task and work productively.
- Must be able to work independently and work well as a team.
- Must have an open mind with a positive attitude.
- Must handle cattle in a quiet, calm non-abusive manner.