Livestock farm labourer Needed in Canada by Sidhu Farms

Work setting

• Rural area
• Willing to relocate

Key Responsibilities:

• Animal Care and Feeding: Feed and water livestock according to their dietary needs. This may involve preparing and distributing feed, mixing supplements, and ensuring the animals have access to fresh water at all times.
• Health Monitoring: Regularly check livestock for signs of illness, injury, or distress. Report any health issues to farm managers or veterinarians. Administer basic treatments or medications as directed by a supervisor.
• Herd/Flock Management: Help with managing the movement of animals between pastures, barns, or grazing areas. This can also include herding, sorting, and tagging animals.
• Breeding Support: Assist with breeding programs by helping with the care of pregnant animals, managing breeding schedules, and supporting the birthing process when necessary.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: Clean barns, pens, stalls, and other animal housing areas. Ensure that animals live in a clean and sanitary environment to prevent diseases and improve comfort.
• Animal Health Record Keeping: Maintain records related to the health, breeding, and feeding of livestock. Keep track of vaccinations, treatments, and other important health-related data.
• Pasture Management: Help with maintaining pasturelands, including rotating grazing areas, managing forage crops, and controlling weeds or parasites that can affect livestock.
• Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Operate and maintain farm equipment such as tractors, feed mixers, and livestock handling equipment. Ensure that machinery is in good working condition to support farm tasks.
• Waste Management: Manage waste materials like manure, ensuring proper disposal or use (e.g., composting) to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
• Assisting with Farm Infrastructure: Help with repairs and maintenance of farm buildings, fences, gates, and other infrastructure needed for livestock management.

Tasks

• Handling animals
• Monitoring animal health
• Perform animal grooming activities
• Track and report on current feed inventory
• Feed and tend animals
• Operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment
• Maintain livestock performance records
• Select livestock for sale
• Detect disease and health problems in crops, livestock and poultry
• Perform general farm duties
• Write daily basic progress reports

Skills and Qualifications:

• Physical Stamina: The work is physically demanding, involving long hours of standing, lifting, bending, and working in outdoor conditions. Livestock farm laborers often need to carry heavy feed bags or equipment and work in all weather conditions.
• Animal Care Knowledge: A basic understanding of animal husbandry, including the nutritional needs of different types of livestock, common health issues, and how to provide care for animals.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to spot health problems or other issues with livestock and act promptly. Also, ensuring the correct feeding and care routines are followed.
• Problem-Solving: The ability to address issues that arise with livestock care, whether it’s health concerns, managing herd behavior, or unexpected challenges with farm equipment.
• Teamwork: Working alongside farm managers, other laborers, and sometimes veterinarians, good communication and collaboration skills are essential.
• Farm Equipment Knowledge: Familiarity with the safe operation and maintenance of farm machinery, such as tractors, hay balers, and livestock handling tools.
• Record-Keeping Skills: Ability to maintain accurate records of livestock health, breeding schedules, and other farm activities.
• Basic Veterinary Care: Knowledge of how to assist with routine animal health care, including administering vaccinations, applying treatments, and assisting with minor injuries.

Education and Experience:

• Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required. However, formal training in animal science, agriculture, or a related field can be beneficial.
• Experience: Previous experience working with livestock, whether on a farm or in an animal care setting, is an asset. On-the-job training is often provided, especially for those new to farming or specific types of livestock.
• Certification: Some positions may require certifications in animal care, handling, or farm safety practices. For example, courses in livestock handling or first aid for farm animals could be advantageous.

Work Environment:

Livestock farm laborers work primarily outdoors in various weather conditions. The work environment can be physically demanding, with tasks involving heavy lifting, repetitive motions, and long hours. Some farm laborers may work in barns, stables, or other structures designed for animal housing, while others may spend much of their time on pastureland. It’s important for workers to be comfortable with working around large animals, and in some cases, potentially dangerous livestock.