Andy Dodd (FCG WhiteAvon)

Hiring the right herdsperson is crucial for the success and welfare of any dairy farm. During the interview, asking the right questions helps understand not only experience but also attitude, reliability, and fit within the team. Here are key questions and points to consider:

1. Appearance

Is the person wearing clean clothes and vitally, clean boots? Biosecurity on farm is key and if someone attending an interview has made no effort, they are probably not right for you

2. Experience and Skills
Ask about their previous roles: “Which parts of your current job do you particularly enjoy?” or “What experience do you have with specific elements of the job – grazing for example?”. Have they been hands on with managing diets or just sat in a room while they have been discussed?

3. Animal Health Knowledge
Understanding herd health is vital. Questions like “How do you spot early signs of illness in cows?” or “Have you had experience with calving, lameness, or mastitis management?” This can often be done while walking around the farm.

6. Team Fit and Work Ethic
Assess attitude with questions like: “What do you enjoy most about dairy farming?” or “How do you manage long or early shifts?”

7. Health and Safety

“You’ve said in your CV that you routinely use a material handler and quad bike, do you have an up-to-date certificate for these?”

The right herdsperson is not just skilled but also reliable and honest. What is your gut instinct when you meet the person? Don’t just take someone on because you are short staffed. The wrong person either individually or in a team can cause more issues than not having someone in a role.

We often work with clients to review applications, carry interviews or just provide a second opinion, so please get in touch with Andy at andydodd@fcgagric.com or your local FCG Office, if you think we can help.