Head Shepherd

Exciting Shepherding Role available in SouthLincolnshire.

The farm is a  large regenerative arable business in South Lincolnshire with an integrated sheep and beef enterprise. Highlander and NZ Romney ewes play a key role in the system.

The flock is fundamental to building soil organic matters and fertility, and through the over-winter grazing of cereals, is helping the farm reduce fungicide and plant growth regulator use.

The Role – 

The shepherd will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of our 1000-ewe, outdoor lambing enterprise. 

The role will include undertaking daily sheep checks, regular moves onto fresh grazing, as well as the lambing, and other routine tasks. High welfare standards are a key priority.

It will also include managing the weaned lambs on clean grazing on outlying farms, and in their marketing when finished.

The flock is 100% pasture-for-life certified as as such no concentrates are fed. Routine use of anthelmintics and insecticides is also avoided and products only used post egg counting or to protect welfare.

The position involves working closely with the owner to organise grazing and labour requirements on a daily basis.

The sheep are outside all year round, so the applicant must be used to and happy to work with Rappa temporary electric fencing. Grazing consists of summer catch crops, winter cover crops, over-wintered cereals and herbal leys.

Support is provided with the electric fencing particularly during the autumn and winter months.

The grazing platforms are shared with the cattle enterprise, and the shepherd would be expected to work closely with the owner to discuss the grazing plans for both enterprises.

Excellent communication skills are essential, as is the ability to plan workloads and highlight when additional labour is required. 

Working closely with the wider farm team will also be important. This is not a traditional shepherding role. There is no set-stocking and little permanent pasture & stock fencing.

But it does offer the chance to take a part in regenerating landscapes to bring nature back onto farms alongside the production of healthier, more nutrient dense food.

The Package – 

• First class accommodation available on the farm, reflecting the importance of the position.
• Land Rover Defender, fitted with solid dog boxes, available.
• Salary to attract the best and will reflect experience.
• Training and staff development keenly supported. 
• Working dogs essential

Very good salary offered to the successful person who can provide fully checkable references
Please apply via email [email protected]