This vacancy is specifically aimed at experienced Dairy Farmers who are already living and working in the UK and who may be eligible to transfer their Skilled Worker sponsorship to a new employer.

Applicants requiring sponsorship must:

Already be living in the UK.
Currently hold valid Skilled Worker permission.
Have received their first Tier 2 (General) or Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship before 22 July 2025.
Have continuously held Skilled Worker permission since that date.
Be eligible to change employer under the current Skilled Worker transitional provisions.
Have relevant professional dairy farming experience.

Preference will be given to applicants who are currently sponsored under SOC Code 5111 – Farmers, including Dairy Farmers.

This position is not suitable for overseas applicants requiring initial sponsorship to enter the UK.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and dependable Dairy Farmer to join an established dairy farming operation.

The successful candidate will play an important role in the day-to-day management of the dairy herd, with responsibility for milking, animal husbandry, herd health, feeding, breeding, calf management and maintaining high standards of animal welfare and farm hygiene.

This is a practical farming role requiring an experienced individual who can work independently, identify problems within the herd and contribute to the efficient operation and productivity of the dairy enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

Carry out daily milking duties using the farm's milking system and equipment.
Prepare cows appropriately for milking and ensure correct milking procedures are followed.
Monitor milk quality and identify abnormalities or potential mastitis issues.
Clean, inspect and maintain milking parlour equipment to a high standard.
Monitor the general health, welfare and condition of the dairy herd.
Identify signs of illness, injury, lameness, mastitis or other health concerns and take appropriate action.
Assist with veterinary treatments and administer authorised medicines in accordance with farm procedures.
Maintain accurate medicine and treatment records.
Monitor cow body condition, behaviour, feed intake and milk production.
Assist with dairy herd feeding programmes, including preparation and distribution of feed.
Monitor feed availability and ensure cattle have continuous access to clean water.
Assist with ration management and report changes in herd performance or feed consumption.
Carry out heat detection and monitor cows for signs of breeding activity.
Assist with artificial insemination and breeding programmes where trained and required.
Monitor pregnant cows and assist with drying-off procedures.
Monitor cows approaching calving and provide assistance during calving where necessary.
Provide appropriate post-calving care to cows and newborn calves.
Ensure calves receive appropriate colostrum, milk, feed and general care.
Monitor calf health, growth and development.
Maintain appropriate calf housing, bedding and hygiene standards.
Move and handle livestock safely between housing, parlours, yards and grazing areas.
Maintain accurate herd, breeding, calving, health and production records.
Assist with herd performance monitoring and milk production records.
Maintain high standards of hygiene throughout livestock housing and milking facilities.
Carry out routine cleaning, bedding and preparation of livestock accommodation.
Maintain appropriate farm biosecurity procedures.
Operate tractors, loaders, feeding equipment and other agricultural machinery where trained and authorised.
Carry out routine machinery and equipment checks.
Report mechanical defects and assist with basic maintenance where appropriate.
Inspect fencing, gates, water systems and livestock facilities.
Assist with grassland and grazing management.
Move cattle between grazing areas in accordance with the farm's grazing programme.
Assist with silage, slurry, feeding and other seasonal dairy farming operations where required.
Maintain high standards of animal welfare at all times.
Follow all farm health and safety, environmental and biosecurity procedures.
Work closely with farm management, veterinary professionals, nutritionists and other farm employees.
Assist in planning and prioritising daily farming activities.
Respond appropriately to livestock or farm emergencies.

Essential Requirements

Applicants must have:

Previous professional experience working on a commercial dairy farm.
Strong practical experience in dairy cattle husbandry.
Experience with daily milking operations.
Good knowledge of dairy cow health and welfare.
Ability to identify common health concerns including lameness, mastitis and changes in animal condition.
Experience caring for cows during calving and the post-calving period.
Experience with calf rearing and young stock management.
Understanding of dairy cattle feeding and nutrition.
Experience safely handling and moving cattle.
Ability to maintain accurate livestock and medicine records.
Experience following farm biosecurity and hygiene procedures.
Ability to operate agricultural machinery where required.
Ability to work independently and make appropriate day-to-day farming decisions.
Ability to work effectively as part of a farming team.
Good communication skills.
Willingness to work flexible agricultural hours, including early mornings and weekends as required.

Desirable Experience

Experience with herd management software.
Artificial insemination or breeding experience.
Foot trimming or lameness management experience.
Experience operating tractors, loaders and feeding machinery.
Experience with grass-based dairy systems.
Experience with TMR feeding systems.
Experience with rotary, herringbone or robotic milking systems.
Relevant agricultural or dairy farming qualifications.
Full UK driving licence.

Skilled Worker Visa Applicants

A change of Skilled Worker sponsor may be available to eligible UK-based applicants.

This vacancy may be particularly suitable for candidates who:

✓ Are already living and working in the UK
✓ Currently hold a Skilled Worker visa
✓ Received their first Tier 2/Skilled Worker CoS before 22 July 2025
✓ Have continuously held Skilled Worker permission since then
✓ Are currently working as a Farmer/Dairy Farmer under SOC 5111 or another relevant occupation
✓ Have genuine commercial dairy farming experience
✓ Are looking to transfer to a new licensed sponsor

Each applicant's immigration and sponsorship eligibility will be assessed individually before sponsorship can be offered.

When Applying

Please include:

Your current UK visa type.
Your current SOC occupation code.
The date your first Tier 2/Skilled Worker CoS was issued.
Your current job title.
The type and size of dairy herd you currently work with.
Your experience with milking systems.
Your experience with calving, calf rearing and herd health.
Your current UK location.
Your availability to start.

Please do not apply if you are currently outside the UK and require new sponsorship to enter the UK for this position.

Experienced Dairy Farmer – Skilled Worker Visa Transfer Available

This vacancy is specifically aimed at experienced Dairy Farmers who are already living and working in the UK and who may be eligible to transfer their Skilled Worker sponsorship to a new employer.