About APD Farm
APD Farm is a grazing operation with approximately 2,000 acres of pasture and woodland under management. We are located one hour southwest of Washington, DC on the northern reaches of the Piedmont, east of the Blue Ridge Mountains and west of the Coastal Plain within the greater Chesapeake Bay Watershed. APD is primarily an ecosystem services operation, using livestock as a tool to cycle carbon and infiltrate rainfall while producing premium quality grass-finished beef and state of the art grazing genetics. We are developing a large Devon and percentage Devon cowherd. Steers and heifers will be grown out and finished on biologically complex mixes of annuals and perennials, utilizing some flood irrigated ground. APD Farm also grows egg layers, guinea fowl and hogs to support the ecological function of the land.
Position description
APD Farm is hiring a Grazing Manager. We are seeking candidates passionate about cattle and other grazing livestock, growing grass and optimizing ecosystem function. The Grazing Manager should also be interested in soil health and climate change awareness. This is a growth position; she/he will be a key member of the APD Farm team and will assume a leadership role in building out the ranch, growing the grazing operation and herd. The Grazing Manager will report directly to the farm owner, Matt Rales.
Key responsibilities:
- Develop and run a comprehensive grazing plan for the growing and non-growing seasons.
- Manage an in-house team of three herdsman, construction crews and subcontractors as necessary.
- Manage and oversee breeding, calving, vaccination protocol, routine weighing, pregnancy checking, ultra-sounding, and blood sampling (with external veterinarian support as needed).
- Manage all aspects of record keeping for entire cowherd and grass-finishing herd.
- Monitor and continuously improve forage quality and volume over time.
- Plan grazing and run animals on the periphery of a conservation mitigation bank.
- Manage construction teams and subcontractors associated with the development of the physical conservation mitigation “bank” and ensure that it is being integrated with the grazing operations proactively.
- Work closely with other team members to co-develop an irrigated keyline landscape within several target catchments on the properties.
- In coordination with research partners, assist in monitoring of and integrating grazing management with baseline soil study
- Manage a comprehensive budget and expenses plan associated with the grazing and grass-finishing operations.
- Other responsibilities related to the land and livestock management aspects of ranch building and growing a start-up grazing operation.
Qualifications:
- Passionate about cattle and other grazing livestock, growing grass and optimizing ecosystem function, soil health and climate change awareness.
- Experience developing and implementing holistic grazing plans.
- Experience with various forms of stock water delivery and irrigation.
- Familiarity with and/or willingness to practice low stress stockmanship.
- Strong leadership skills and ability to communicate effectively.
- Demonstrated ability to manage projects and sub-contractors
- Must be comfortable working in an early stage farm development environment with high levels of autonomy..
Compensation Package:
This is a full-time, salaried position reflecting experience, skill set and qualifications. Full range of coverage and benefits will be provided. Private housing will be provided on the farm with apportioned utility expenses covered.
