We are looking for the right person to join our growing team! Sweet Rowen Farmstead is a grass- based hill farm in Northern Vermont. Our milking herd of 60 pasture-raised Vermont Heritage Lineback cows produce delicious high quality milk. Currently we process 800,000 lbs/yr of our milk, which we bottle and craft into yogurt and cheese in our wood-fired creamery. We ship an additional 400,000 lbs a year on the bulk market. We’re transitioning our herd to be certified organic in anticipation of shipping our bulk milk to an organic buyer.

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about farming, committed to working hard, and is a kind person who is excited to maintain a positive work space with our team. This position would be 40-50 hours per week. The herd manager works closely with the farm owner to make decisions that are best for the business. The herd manager is often on call since housing is provided on the farm property, this can be discussed further with the farm owner. The herd manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of our dairy herd, including daily operations like feeding, milking, animal health management, breeding, maintaining herd records, and ensuring optimal milk production while prioritizing animal welfare and environmental sustainability. The herd manager works closely with veterinarian care providers to maintain herd health. This position will train under our current herd manager as they transition to other roles within the farm, we are aiming to have this position filled for a start date of June 1st. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Animal Care

• Monitoring cow health, identifying and treating illness

• Manage animal health with best Organic practices

• Data entry into Smaxtec cow monitoring software

• Manage breeding programs, including artificial insemination and manage bull bred heifers

• Overseeing calving and newborn calf care

• Implementing preventative healthcare measure

• Monthly sampling for DHIA

• Maintain DHIA records

• Work with hoof trimmer to maintain cow hoof health

• Train staff on animal care procedure required during daily chores

Helpful Experience

• Dairy farming and milking

• Food safety and sanitation

• Organic compliance

• Training and managing a team

• Use of large equipment (tractor, skid steer, etc)

Required skills

• Timeliness and reliability

• Ability to work independently and on a team

• Responsive to feedback and committed to maintaining a positive workspace

• Ability to lift and carry 60 lbs multiple times throughout the work day

• Drivers license and reliable transportation

• Willingness to follow and execute a training program to ensure all staff are up to date on daily processes

Milking operations

• Transition milking herd to newly constructed, swing 12 cow milking parlor, summer of 2026

• Supervising milking procedures, ensuring proper hygiene and equipment sanitation

• Monitoring milk quality and addressing issues

• Maintaining accurate milk recording and reporting systems

• Milk 6-8 shifts per week

• Managing staff schedules, and trainings

• Keeping detailed records of herd health, production, and breeding data

• Work closely with farm owner regarding herd performance and goals

• Work closely with veterinarians for herd health consultation

• Work with creamery manager to manage milk production for creamery needs

• Work in the creamery 2 days a week helping pack cheese

• Work closely with farm owner to ensure 24 hr/7 days a week on call coverage for calvings, breedings, covering shifts for employees who call out sick, and other on farm emergencies.

Compensation

• Pay based on experience ($18 - $20 per hour)

  • Hourly pay plus food benefits and free housing/utilities = approx $35 per hour

• Milk, cheese, yogurt and beef benefits

• Housing in 2 bedroom Farm House located on the Farm

• 2 days off per week

• PTO bank after 1 year of employment

To apply, please email Paul at farmvt@gmail.com with cover letter and resume.