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CD
California Dairy Farms A General Partnership
Calf Ranch Manager
Career Insights for Farm / Ranch Manager
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Based on California data
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What they do
A Farm or Ranch Manager manages operations at a farm or ranch. Directs crop production and management of livestock herds and supervises farm workers who grow and harvest crops or tend to farm animals. Purchases supplies such as seed, fertilizer or animal feed, operates and repairs farm equipment, and maintains facilities. Monitors prices and adapts production as needed due to market changes, weather conditions or other factors.
$45,325 / year median in California
-1% projected decline
Job Description
Oversees calf ranch programs across multiple facilities, including daily operations from newborn to weaning and maternity care. Develops and implements SOPs, conducts staff training, and ensures high standards in calf health, biosecurity, and data accuracy. Supports management with data-driven tools to improve efficiency and business performance. Supervises calf and maternity teams across: day shifts, evening shifts, and overnight shifts in a 24/7 operation. Reports to the General Manager.
Lead and support special farm projects, collaborating with facility teams to enhance animal care and operational performance.
Propose and execute cost-saving strategies while maintaining high standards of care and compliance.
Develop and refine procedures to improve task efficiency, time management, and overall workflow for team members.
Report equipment failures or shortages to site-specific herdsmen; assist in maintaining equipment and supply inventory.
Assist with Maternity Management.
Monitor close-up pens, identify labor stages, and intervene per dystocia protocols; escalate to veterinary care as needed.
Perform critical calving tasks including calf resuscitation, navel dipping, tagging/ID, birth weights, sexing, and administering dam treatments.
Lead colostrum program: ensure timely first feedings, perform Brix testing, manage culture and heat-treatment, and maintain accurate cooler/fridge logs.
Calf Ranch & Young stock OversightManage calf intake processing, vaccinations, dehorning, and pain mitigation protocols.
Ensure accuracy in milk and milk replacer mixing; conduct routine feeding audits and manage weaning step-down protocols.
Monitor and maintain hutch/pen hygiene, bedding, ventilation, and seasonal stress management plans.
Perform daily health scoring, maintain treatment logs, ensure medication withholding compliance, and coordinate mortality reviews and necropsies.
Oversee and analyze data for all young stock to support operational decisions and improve KPI trends.
People Management, Training & ComplianceSchedule 24/7 maternity coverage and assign feed and health routes for crews.
Coach, evaluate, and certify employees; lead bilingual training sessions to ensure safety, protocol adherence, and task proficiency.
Foster a positive, collaborative work environment by modeling professional behavior and teamwork.
Promote and enforce biosecurity, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance across all operations.
Keep accurate digital records and submit daily operational reports to management.
Proficient in computer use, including...
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
Multi-Site Farm Operations & Continuous ImprovementRotate across all farm locations to monitor performance, identify issues, and implement solutions that align with Dairy Calf & Heifer Association Gold Standards.Lead and support special farm projects, collaborating with facility teams to enhance animal care and operational performance.
Propose and execute cost-saving strategies while maintaining high standards of care and compliance.
Develop and refine procedures to improve task efficiency, time management, and overall workflow for team members.
Report equipment failures or shortages to site-specific herdsmen; assist in maintaining equipment and supply inventory.
Assist with Maternity Management.
Monitor close-up pens, identify labor stages, and intervene per dystocia protocols; escalate to veterinary care as needed.
Perform critical calving tasks including calf resuscitation, navel dipping, tagging/ID, birth weights, sexing, and administering dam treatments.
Lead colostrum program: ensure timely first feedings, perform Brix testing, manage culture and heat-treatment, and maintain accurate cooler/fridge logs.
Calf Ranch & Young stock OversightManage calf intake processing, vaccinations, dehorning, and pain mitigation protocols.
Ensure accuracy in milk and milk replacer mixing; conduct routine feeding audits and manage weaning step-down protocols.
Monitor and maintain hutch/pen hygiene, bedding, ventilation, and seasonal stress management plans.
Perform daily health scoring, maintain treatment logs, ensure medication withholding compliance, and coordinate mortality reviews and necropsies.
Oversee and analyze data for all young stock to support operational decisions and improve KPI trends.
People Management, Training & ComplianceSchedule 24/7 maternity coverage and assign feed and health routes for crews.
Coach, evaluate, and certify employees; lead bilingual training sessions to ensure safety, protocol adherence, and task proficiency.
Foster a positive, collaborative work environment by modeling professional behavior and teamwork.
Promote and enforce biosecurity, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance across all operations.
Keep accurate digital records and submit daily operational reports to management.
Minimum Qualifications and Education Requirements:
High school diploma or GED equivalent required.24+ years of hands-on cattle experience in a commercial dairy, calf ranch, or maternity barn setting.Proficient in computer use, including...