Livestock Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Who We Are:

Verdant Hollow Farms is an Animal Welfare Approved and certified organic farm in Buchanan, Michigan.  Established in 2016, our main focus is the restoration of the 225 acre ecosystem of pasture, hardwood forest, and garden space using regenerative farming methods and land management.  This methodology ensures the welfare of our animals, restores the land, and provides our family and community with an edible bounty.  In 2024 we opened up one of Michigan’s handful of  licensed farmstead goat creameries here on the farm where we produce seasonal goat cheese with the milk from our pasture raised herd. We also welcome visitors to the farm through our farm stay and events  in the spirit of education and community building.

Our Ideal Candidate:

Aligns with our overall farm vision and goals

Has 1+ years of livestock care experience, preferably with small ruminants

Is a clear communicator, flexible, has a positive work attitude & seeks solutions out of problems

Possesses a strong knowledge base, formal education, or work history in sustainable farming

Can regularly lift 50+ lbs above the waist or higher

Willing to work in all weather conditions

Will be a welcoming host to visitors on the farm

Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to and from work.  Must be 18 years or older.

Primary Responsibilities:

Livestock:

Morning and evening livestock chores (feeding,water,herd movement)

Oversee the livestock health program (hoof trimming,health exams and vaccines,ear tagging, daily monitoring, etc)

Lead, supervise, and train any livestock support staff

Maintain a strict level of biosecurity within the program and farm

Adhere to and track Dairy Herd Improvement protocols for our dairy herd

Adhere to and track Animal Welfare Approved and Certified Grassfed protocols for all livestock 

Maintain an organized and clean space in designated livestock areas

Assist in lambing and kidding season tasks

Maintain and report all livestock health and movement data in Google Sheets and Calendar

Manage the livestock nutrition program including ordering of feed, minerals, and hay

Partake in ongoing planning and execution of our grazing plan with the grazing/movement team

Daily to weekly moving of livestock groups during the grazing season (April-October)

Develop and maintain a breeding program for our registered stock that prioritizes desirable genetic traits, performance, disposition, and overall condition for the sale of breeding animals

Partake in weekly team planning meetings

Secondary Responsibilities:

Assist in milking duties when needed(seasonally)

Lead farm tours, goat hikes, and other livestock related agrotourism activities

What we can offer:

Full time salaried position with competitive pay reflective of life and work experience

Health Benefits

Healthy, positive work environment

Be part of a fun and hard working team

Opportunity for learning and growth both personally and farm related

On site farm managers and engaged owner

PTO Package

Fully supported environment to execute your creative farm vision

Discounted and sometimes complimentary farm products