This Organic Dairy Farm Specialist job description sets out the main duties, qualifications, skills and measures of success for the role, which is also known as Organic Farming Adviser, Organic Livestock Specialist, Organic Farm Consultant or Organic Conversion Manager. Download it free as a Word or PDF template and adapt it for your own vacancy.
| Job title | Organic Dairy Farm Specialist |
| Also known as | Organic Farming Adviser, Organic Livestock Specialist, Organic Farm Consultant, Organic Conversion Manager |
| Department | Dairy farming |
| Reports to | Farm Owner or Farm Manager |
| Direct reports | Farm workers and livestock staff |
What does a Organic Dairy Farm Specialist do?
Sets up and runs the organic livestock and forage programme on a mixed farm that is developing a dairy unit. Makes sure cattle, poultry and forage are managed to recognised organic standards, and advises the owner on soil, grazing, feed and herd health to improve output and quality.
Organic Dairy Farm Specialist duties and responsibilities
Organic system and certification
- Write and maintain the farm's organic system plan in line with recognised international standards
- Prepare the farm for organic conversion, inspection and certification
- Keep records of inputs, treatments, livestock movements and feed sources for traceability
- Make sure all feeds, fertilisers and veterinary products are permitted under organic rules
Livestock and dairy
- Plan and oversee the set-up of a dairy unit, including housing, milking and milk handling
- Manage cattle and poultry health and welfare using preventive, organic-compliant methods
- Develop feeding plans based on home-grown organic forage
- Monitor milk yield, quality and hygiene, and act on problems
- Work with the vet on herd health plans, breeding and treatment records
Forage, soil and grazing
- Plan forage cropping, grazing and conservation to meet the herd's year-round needs
- Test soils and build fertility using manure, compost, rotations and legumes
- Design efficient irrigation and water use for forage in a hot climate
- Control weeds, pests and diseases through rotation, cultivation and biological methods
- Trial new forage varieties and techniques that could raise yield or quality
Operations and budgeting
- Prepare and manage farm budgets and control running costs
- Supervise and train farm staff in organic practices and safe working
- Operate and oversee farm machinery and make sure it is maintained
- Ensure the farm complies with health and safety and environmental rules
- Report regularly to the owner on progress, costs and recommendations
Organic Dairy Farm Specialist qualifications and experience
Essential
- Degree or diploma in agriculture, animal science or a related subject
- At least five years' experience in organic farming, including livestock and forage
- Experience of dairy cattle management
- Practical knowledge of international organic standards and certification
- Experience setting up or developing an organic farm programme
- Experience of farm budgeting and cost control
Desirable
- Experience farming in a hot, dry climate
- Experience with poultry
- Experience designing irrigation systems
- Experience of protected cropping or greenhouse set-up
Skills and attributes
- Sound commercial judgement
- Practical problem-solving
- Competent use of farm machinery
- Good IT skills, including standard office software
- Good written and spoken English
- Ability to lead and train staff
How success is measured
- Organic certification gained and maintained
- Forage yield and quality targets met
- Herd health, welfare and milk quality standards met
- Farm costs kept within budget
- Records complete and ready for inspection
Working conditions and safety
Farm-based, with outdoor work in a hot climate and some early, late or weekend duties. The role may suit a full-time or consultancy arrangement.
- Follow health and safety rules and safe systems of work, and wear the correct PPE
- Follow animal welfare, biosecurity and medicine-use procedures at all times
- Report hazards, accidents, near misses and concerns promptly
Organic Dairy Farm Specialist interview questions
Use these questions to assess candidates for a Organic Dairy Farm Specialist role. Each one includes what a good answer shows.
- How would you prepare a farm for organic conversion and its first inspection?
What a good answer shows: Understands conversion periods, the organic system plan, permitted inputs and the records an inspector will expect. - How do you build soil fertility without using synthetic fertilisers?
What a good answer shows: Uses legumes, rotations, manure, compost and soil testing to build fertility steadily over time. - How would you plan grazing and forage conservation to provide organic feed all year?
What a good answer shows: Balances grazing, conserved forage and stocking rates so the herd's needs are met in every season. - What would you consider when designing irrigation for forage in a hot, dry climate?
What a good answer shows: Considers water supply, crop needs, efficient systems and scheduling to cut waste and protect yields. - Weeds are threatening a forage crop and herbicides are not permitted. What do you do?
What a good answer shows: Uses cultivation, timing, cutting and rotation options, and plans to stop the problem recurring. - Organic feed runs short and only conventional feed is available. What do you do?
What a good answer shows: Knows the rules, protects organic status, seeks permitted alternatives and records any approved exception properly. - How do you manage herd health in an organic system where treatment options are restricted?
What a good answer shows: Focuses on prevention through housing, nutrition and breeding, never withholds needed treatment and records withdrawal periods correctly. - How would you make sure a new dairy unit produces milk hygienically from the start?
What a good answer shows: Plans clean housing, milking routines, cooling and equipment cleaning, and monitors milk quality results. - How would you train farm staff who are new to organic methods?
What a good answer shows: Explains why the rules matter, trains practically, checks understanding and records, and corrects mistakes constructively. - How would you report progress and costs to the farm owner?
What a good answer shows: Gives regular, honest updates with clear figures, problems and practical recommendations.
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Frequently asked questions
Sets up and runs the organic livestock and forage programme on a mixed farm that is developing a dairy unit. Makes sure cattle, poultry and forage are managed to recognised organic standards, and advises the owner on soil, grazing, feed and herd health to improve output and quality.
Employers usually look for: degree or diploma in agriculture, animal science or a related subject; at least five years' experience in organic farming, including livestock and forage; experience of dairy cattle management.
A Organic Dairy Farm Specialist usually reports to the Farm Owner or Farm Manager. Direct reports typically include farm workers and livestock staff.
Yes. Download the free Word template, add your location, contract and salary details, and adapt the duties to your site. You can then advertise the role on Dairy Jobs.
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