John S Pile (Farms) Ltd, Middle Farm, Firle, Lewes, East Sussex BN8 6LJ.

Job description for Relief Milker

 To milk the Pookhill Jersey herd on the Herdspersons days off – days to be arranged.  To always carry out this duty to the highest standards of cleanliness and animal welfare.  Keep all antibiotic milk out of the tank by means of using the dump bucket for any cows that have been treated. This waste milk may be used for the BEEF calves on milk only – never use waste milk on the Jersey heifer calves.  Feeding the milk fed calves, strictly observing the policy of feeding only milk powder to all Jersey heifer calves as a means of controlling Johnes disease  Observing the measures in place to help control Johnes disease at all times.  To be responsible for calving cows and the treatment of any ailments on the days you work and to ensure all animals receive the highest welfare standards at all times.  To always carry out your duties in a safe and conscientious manner.  Correctly recording any medicines used and always observing the milk/meat withdrawal dates.  To call the A.I. as directed for any cows requiring serving on the days you milk and recording this in the diary  Leave clear information if necessary for the person milking the next day.  Feeding concentrates to other groups of animals as instructed  Scraping the yard twice daily when the herd is housed inside (after morning milking and prior to afternoon milking) and mornings only when outside.  To bring the herd in for milking both mornings and afternoon during the months housed outside. This is to be done in a safe manner ensuring the safety of the cows, and the general public during the times we are open. Making sure all necessary gates are shut and wires/string in place to enable cows to come in safely and the public are kept away from the cows.  Report anything suspicious to a full time member of staff as soon as possible.  As Middle Farm is open to the public afternoon milking will be available for visitors to watch. You may be required to answer questions about the milking and the animals in general and at all times observe the safety of the public.  To make sure you are always happy with what has been asked of you and if you have any concerns at all please raise these with a senior member of Middle Farm staff.