Dairy Advisor

Role Purpose,

Join our Lactalis SA Team. Management of farm supply through close farmer and Lactalis relations in adherence with supply policy and budgets and technical advice to secure a sustainable source of milk .

, Requirements,

• An appropriate 3 year tertiary qualification in Agriculture
• 5-8 years in dairy farming or dairy advisory experience
• Experience in performing three or more of the following areas:
• animal health and welfare,
• milking hygiene,
• animal nutrition,
• feed and fodder production,
• farm economics & environment (including energy and waste) and socio-economic management
  
  

Excellent communication skills

Good interpersonal skills

• Understanding of other business processes & concepts-laboratory, finance, etc.
• Pasture management & fodder flow knowledge
• Grass roots experience in dairy farming & dairy management
  
  

, Duties and Responsibilities,

• Manage Lactalis’s regional milk supply which encompasses:
• Management of farm supply in terms of technical advice to secure a sustainable source of milk (DA’s not required to solve problems, but to identify possible solutions with related experts and follow-up of progress):
• Dairy nutrition and feeding management, fodder flow, pasture management, economic feasibility studies, herd health, environmental management
• Working collaboratively to forecast Lactalis’s monthly milk supply in terms of milk solids to match requirements at the various factories
• Pre-empt and management of possible deviations from milk supply parameters
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental requirements
• Liaise with Lactalis’s suppliers and other key stakeholders via communication in the various regions by:
• Prepare and report regularly on Lactalis farm prices versus competitors in terms of milk solids and transport costs to develop a competitive edge in chosen/strategic regions
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and expenditure regarding milk supply to factories
• Handling ad hoc requests from producers for advice regarding specific dairy husbandry issues on milk procurement, feeding, pastures, dairy management, etc.
• Communicate regularly with regards to all aspects of safety, health and environment
• Actively advise to reduce waste, optimise energy and conserve water and do CSR audits
  
  

Carry out GAP audits to ensure compliance to required parlour, procedures, and animal welfare standards