Sow Farm Manager-in-Training

Description

Belstra Group Farms is a pig production organization with over 20 swine farm facilities located in Northwest Indiana and Central Illinois. The Sow Farm Manager-in-Training (MIT) program is designed to develop future leaders in swine production management. MIT will work closely with an experienced Sow Farm Manager and Production Leadership Team to learn all aspects of sow farm operations including breeding, gestation, farrowing, piglet care, people leadership, safety and biosecurity. This is a hands-on role with progressive responsibility as skills and knowledge grow. The goal is to prepare the MIT to successfully step into a Sow Farm Manager role.  

Key Responsibilities (included but not limited to):

Operational Leadership:

• Assist in daily farm operations including breeding, gestation, farrowing, and piglet care
• Shadow farm leaders to learn daily decision-making and workflows
• Follow and maintain biosecurity requirements and site cleanliness standards
• Gain experience in proper feeding, ventilation, and facility conditions
• Learn production systems, recordkeeping and Belstra performance metrics
• Learn scheduling, labor planning and task assignments
• Assist with basic maintenance and troubleshooting

Animal Care & Welfare:

• Follow animal handling and care according to Belstra standards
• Monitor herd health and treatment plans under veterinary guidance
• Maintain health and production records

People Management:

• Practice positive teamwork and communications in the farm
• Promote a positive, respectful and safety-focused work culture
• Learn how to train, coach and support employees
• Assist in onboarding new team members as needed

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Experience or interest in swine production, livestock management or agriculture
• Willingness to work in a hands-on farm environment
• Organizational skills, strong problem-solving and decision making
• Basic computer skills 
• Ability to work weekends/holidays as needed

Preferred:

• Education or background in swine production or agriculture
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus
• Previous leadership, crew lead or team player experience

Working Conditions:

• Indoor livestock environment with exposure to dust, noise, odors and varying temperatures
• Frequent standing, walking, lifting up to 50lbs, and animal handling
• Early morning/rotational weekend work is common in our production

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive wage based on experience
• Retirement program
• Health benefits, including dental and vision options
• Short-term disability and life insurance offered
• Gifts of pork
• Planned company appreciation events, sponsored meals and community events

**Looking to fill positions at multiple sites**