In my previous post Growing the Milk Business I mentioned 80 cows had become 500 and a 1 man operation was now a team of 10
Today employees are more commonly referred to as team members and when I sat down today to write a job description for someone to replace Martin (which wont be easy) I thought of all the attributes that Martin brings to the team.
Martin came to us with no experience and a huge desire and commitment to learn. Martin is in his final year of a physics degree with a view to doing honours. Having struggled through physics as part of my uni degree and hating it with a passion I am fascinated by people who love it and master it and when they decide they want to milk cows in their spare time I must admit I am flabbergasted.
Martin’s commitment to learn the art of milking cows reminded me of my determination to snow ski well. I love skiing ( great start) I had lessons, I read manuals I even have a son who was a ski instructor for a short time in an earlier life and yet no matter how hard I worked at it I just never really got it.
But Martin is different whilst it was a slow process in the beginning you could see Martin would perfect the art of milking cows no matter how long it took and wow once he got he got it what a great team member he is.
People who milk cows must be committed to their welfare first and foremost like Martin
So what is the ideal team member for Clover Hill Dairies
I recently heard someone speak at the Agrifood Skills conference and they said they hire for character first and foremost. You can teach skills but not character and I think this is wise advice.
So the job description says ( let me know if you think I have missed something)
Applicants must have
1. strong animal wellbeing and team ethic
2. be computer literate
3. Present as personable, clean and tidy
4. Have driver’s license
Will train suitable applicant
Farming is hard work but oh so rewarding. If you love animals and think you have what it takes send me an email. Future Einsteins welcome and we will train anyone with the right attitude
