Assistant Farm Manager: West Town Farm, Ide, near Exeter, Devon
£25,000 - £35,000 depending on experience and qualifications
October 1st 2020 to March 31st 2021: 6 month contract - possibly going into further 6-month contracts.
Accommodation provided.
Farm overview
270 acre organic farm split into two units with 22 beef cows producing a calf in Spring.
Young-stock are reared to produce enough fat cattle to supply the farm shop and an occasional meat box. Older cows go to a local organic wholesaler.
There is a small herd of fattening pigs and a small flock of laying chickens.
Mob grazing is practised along with a rotational grazing system for the cattle. A grazing system also needs to be developed for pasture grazing the pigs and chickens. An electric fence system is used to manage the grazing of all the farm animals.
The farm is in a 5 year Higher Tier organic Stewardship scheme until December 2023, including 25 educational visits per year.
To find out more about the farm please visit our website - go to “more info about farm’ section
Job role
Looking after the day to day management of all animals
Other routine farms jobs and maintenance (vehicles/gates/hedgerows etc)
Recording the cattle management and field work. Working with the Soil Association certification officer to cover the purchase of seeds and other required derogations.
Working with the Events and Produce Manager to supply the self service farm shop with beef, pork and eggs from farm stock.
Working together to recruit staff and volunteers (WWOOFers) , to organise farm volunteer days and helping prepare the farm for various events.
Working with the farmer to plan a crop rotation and Stewardship works for the coming season.
You will liaise with the vet for all care and health of the animals
You will help the farmer with Healthy and safety on the farm
Your salary will be based upon your experience and the responsibility you agree to take on.
There will be no set hours.
You will have a budget to provide staff to cover your time off and holidays.
You will understand organic standards and DEFRA rules and their relevance to us. You will be able to present the farm ready for inspection.
Person Specification
Confident, independent decision-maker able to operate the farm in the absence of the farmer.
Enthusiastic, hard working & able to work well alone or in a small team
At least five years' experience with beef cattle
Agricultural degree preferred (or similar qualification)
An understanding in regenerative farming, accounting, data capture and certification schemes
Driving licence including trailer qualification and tractor experience
Good communication skills with all ages and backgrounds
Empathy with our farm philosophy and objectives and developing the farm as an educational resource
To apply, send CV and cover letter. andy@westtownfarm.co.uk
Closing date 22nd August 2020
Interview date 1st September 2020
Start date 1st October 2020
