Farm type: Dairy, grass-based, regenerative
Working hours: 05:00 - 17:00, Cycle of 12 days on, 2 days off. 
Location:  Mathafarn, Llanwrin, Machynlleth, Powys
Salary: £11-£13 /hr (dependent on age)
Contract: 6 - 12-week work placement  
Start date: March 2026
Accommodation: Yes

Job description

This is an exciting placement opportunity for a new entrant to gain skills and knowledge and build experience by working on a dairy farm during the busy calving season. This would suit an ambitious individual who wants to gain some valuable dairy experience and learn on the job.

Your manager

Sam is passionate about grass-based farming systems which is why he is developing a sustainable and profitable low input regenerative dairy farming model. A good communicator in Welsh and English, Sam likes helping people grow and improve their workplaces. He is an entrepreneurial young farmer who is passionate about farming and its long-term legacy as an industry. Expect to be inspired and encouraged by his knowledge, personal experience and enthusiasm for ‘doing things differently’. Sam is growing a dairy farming business that focuses on converting grass to milk in a sustainable manner. This is driven by high grass utilisation and good people. The structure to achieve this is based upon:

• Good Simple Systems
• Highly Motivated and Engaged workforce
• Great Culture 

Farm facts

• 350 cows  
• Grass based system
• 180ha grazing platform
• 2021 conversion from beef and sheep
• Calving outdoors from March / April

Your role

On this placement, your roles and responsibilities will include:

– Assisting the farm manager with daily management of the herd ensuring animal welfare is your top priority. 
– Operating the paddock grazing system and working with the farm manager to manage this. 
– Milking to a high and consistent standard. 
– Working with the farm manager to maintain records, ensuring data is kept up to date and used to benefit the herd’s wellbeing. 
– Treating & identifying illnesses and informing the farm manager of any observations. 
– Basic tractor and machine operation 
– Keeping the farm overall tidy & safe to operate 
– General farm maintenance & fencing

It is essential that you: 

• Be reliable with good timekeeping, who is passionate about cow welfare
• Possess the ability to be proactive and take initiative
• Have excellent communication skills and the desire to uphold positive work relationships
• Enjoy being on the farm and have a progressive outlook on dairy farming
• Have a positive attitude towards learning

It would be desirable if you:

• Have experience milking and spotting/treating illnesses
• Have a full driving licence

The benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Free shared accommodation  
• Be involved in weekly grass measurement and management
• Be involved in weekly team meetings to gain insight into business management
• A passionate and friendly team who are committed to sustainable farming, staff training, and development.
• A young, social team who are encouraged to join local clubs and YFC. 

If you are looking to develop your career as a Herdsperson or take the step into dairy farming, this is the opportunity for you.