Dairy Farm Supervisor at Janta Kenya

Job Purpose

The Dairy Farm Supervisor will oversee the daily operations of Jeymah Farm’s dairy unit. The role is responsible for ensuring proper animal care, efficient milk production, good hygiene standards, accurate record-keeping and effective supervision of farm workers.

The successful candidate will be practical, hands-on and capable of helping establish efficient dairy farming systems as the farm grows.

Key Responsibilities

Dairy Herd Management

• Monitor the health, feeding, cleanliness and general welfare of all dairy animals.
• Identify signs of illness, injury or abnormal behaviour and report them promptly.
• Coordinate veterinary services, vaccinations, deworming and other animal health programmes.
• Monitor breeding cycles, heat detection, artificial insemination, pregnancies and calving.
• Ensure calves, heifers and lactating cows receive appropriate care.

Milk Production and Handling

• Supervise milking activities and ensure proper milking procedures are followed.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene during milking, storage and handling of milk.
• Record daily milk production for each cow.
• Monitor changes in milk production and recommend corrective action where necessary.
• Ensure milking equipment and containers are properly cleaned and maintained.

Feeding and Nutrition

• Implement approved feeding programmes for the dairy herd.
• Ensure animals receive the correct quantities of fodder, concentrates, minerals and clean water.
• Monitor feed stocks and notify management when supplies need to be replenished.
• Reduce feed wastage and ensure proper storage of feeds.
• Support fodder production, harvesting, preservation and storage where applicable.

Farm Operations

• Plan and supervise daily farm activities.
• Allocate duties to farm workers and monitor completion of assigned tasks.
• Ensure cowsheds, calf pens, feeding areas and other farm facilities remain clean and well maintained.
• Monitor the use and condition of farm tools, machinery and equipment.
• Ensure proper manure collection, storage and disposal.

Records and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records on milk production, animal health, breeding, feeding, births, deaths and farm expenses.
• Keep an updated livestock register.
• Prepare daily, weekly and monthly farm reports for management.
• Maintain records of medicines, feeds and other farm supplies.
• Report operational challenges and recommend practical solutions.

Staff Supervision

• Supervise, guide and train farm workers.
• Ensure workers follow farm procedures, hygiene requirements and safety standards.
• Monitor attendance, punctuality, performance and discipline.
• Promote teamwork and responsible handling of animals and farm property.

Stock and Cost Control

• Monitor stocks of animal feeds, medicines, cleaning materials and other farm supplies.
• Prevent theft, misuse and unnecessary wastage of farm resources.
• Verify deliveries of farm supplies and maintain supporting records.
• Assist management in controlling operating costs and improving farm productivity.

Minimum Qualifications

• Certificate or Diploma in Dairy Production, Animal Health, Animal Production, Agriculture or a related field.
• At least two years’ practical experience working on a dairy farm.
• Good understanding of dairy cow feeding, breeding, milking and disease prevention.
• Basic knowledge of dairy farm record-keeping.
• Experience supervising farm workers will be an advantage.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Strong practical dairy farming skills.
• Ability to supervise and organise farm workers.
• Good observation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to identify common dairy animal health problems.
• Basic numerical, reporting and record-keeping skills.
• High level of honesty, responsibility and reliability.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to work early mornings, weekends and public holidays when required.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Key Performance Indicators

Performance will be assessed based on:

• Daily and monthly milk production levels.
• Health and condition of the dairy herd.
• Reduction in animal illness and mortality.
• Compliance with milking and hygiene standards.
• Accuracy and completeness of farm records.
• Efficient use of feeds, medicines and farm supplies.
• Cleanliness and maintenance of farm facilities.
• Productivity and discipline of farm workers.
• Timely reporting of animal health and operational concerns.
• Control of farm losses, wastage and preventable expenses.