Brent Isherwood
Motueka ,1907 Motueka River Westbank Road
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented professional with extensive experience in farm management and operations, notably with Canterbury Grasslands and my own farms development . Expert in herd management and milk quality control, demonstrating a proven ability to enhance productivity and animal welfare. Skilled in team supervision and problem-solving, I have successfully increased milk production efficiency by over 20% through innovative breeding strategies and effective staff training.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Blueberries Orchards
Mot Berries
Motueka, TAS
09.2016 - Current
- Exhibited a proactive approach in managing responsibilities independently.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Supported development initiatives by assembling tunnel houses.
- Supported planning and execution for constructing a new block.
Dairy Farmer Conversion
Owner
Methven
06.2009 - 06.2015
- Conducted comprehensive transition of farm from sheep to dairy operation's
- Implemented strategic management practices by overseeing daily operations of farm.
- Developed health protocols for livestock by conducting regular veterinary check-ups.
- Prepared financial reports for stakeholders to ensure transparency in operations.
- Monitored nutritional needs for herd to maintain optimal health.
- Maintained farm equipment and vehicles.
- Monitored milk production quality and quantity and evaluated daily data to address inefficiencies.
- Milked Number cows using milking machinery.
- Ensured high-quality milk by maintaining clean milking equipment and practicing proper sanitation protocols.
- Attended promptly to needs of sick cows to maintain health of livestock.
- Kept stock healthy with adequate food, water and open space.
- Enhanced herd health through regular monitoring, vaccinations, and preventative care measures.
- Increased milk production by implementing effective breeding and feeding strategies.
- Optimized cow comfort with improved housing and management practices, leading to increased milk yields.
- Reduced calf mortality rates through close monitoring of newborns and providing timely medical intervention when needed.
- Collaborated with veterinarians to implement herd health programs targeting specific areas of concern such as mastitis or lameness.
- Adapted to weather challenges by adjusting feed rations and modifying farm practices accordingly.
- Implemented successful strategies to maximize dairy production with enhanced nutrition and herd health initiatives.
- Improved calving ease through selective breeding decisions, reducing complications during calving season.
- Managed dairy operations for optimal efficiency with precise record-keeping and data analysis.
- Maximized pasture utilization with rotational grazing techniques, improving overall feed efficiency.
- Trained farm personnel to maintain high standards of animal welfare and farm productivity.
- Coordinated daily workflow to optimize resource allocation and farm productivity.
- Developed and maintained detailed herd health management program to support livestock wellness.
- Bought new cows at auctions to keep robust herd numbers.
- Kept up to date with new farm technology to make farm more environmentally sustainable.
- Maintained accurate financial records to ensure profitability and sustainability of the dairy operation.
- Cultivated strong relationships with suppliers, securing favorable pricing on vital resources.
- Purchased insemination services from special farms to impregnate cows and increase herd size.
- Worked closely with employees to improve practices, techniques and safety choices, optimizing performance, and minimizing waste.
- Set and improved standard operating procedures to oversee stock management, pond maintenance, and feeding schedules.
Contract Milker
Canterbury Grasslands
Hororata, CAN
06.2006 - 06.2009
- Helped with conversion of farm
- Coordinated with veterinarians to schedule routine check-ups, vaccinations, and treatment plans for optimal herd health management.
- Developed preventative maintenance schedules for farm machinery to minimize downtime due to equipment malfunctions or breakdowns.
- Adapted work schedules based on changing weather conditions or unexpected events while maintaining productivity goals.
- Trained new staff members on safe operating procedures and efficient milking techniques to maintain consistent work standards across the team.
- Delivered strong communication with team members, ensuring efficient task coordination and effective collaboration on project initiatives.
- Improved herd health by implementing effective disease prevention and control measures.
- Ensured accurate record keeping of milk production, animal health, and farm operations data for informed decision making.
- Demonstrated commitment to animal welfare by adhering to ethical standards for the treatment of livestock during daily care routines.
- Enhanced milk quality through proper milking machine maintenance and sanitation procedures.
- Implemented safety protocols to reduce workplace accidents and injuries among staff members during daily tasks.
- Collaborated with farm owners to develop annual budgets and financial plans, resulting in cost-effective operation strategies.
- Managed breeding programs using artificial insemination techniques or natural mating methods as appropriate for farm goals.
- Maintained cleanliness of the milking parlor and surrounding areas through regular cleaning routines that met regulatory standards.
- Assisted with calving duties such as monitoring pregnant cows, attending births when necessary, and providing postnatal care for newborn calves.
- Optimized pasture management practices to maximize grazing efficiency and promote sustainable land use.
- Monitored cow nutrition by adjusting feed rations according to individual needs, promoting optimal milk production levels.
- Conducted regular audits of stock inventory levels to ensure an adequate supply of feed, supplements, and other farm essentials.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations of employees, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement in work quality.
- Milked Number cows using milking machinery.
- Maintained farm equipment and vehicles.
- Efficiently handled emergency situations involving animals or personnel by quickly assessing concerns and taking appropriate action steps.
- Monitored milk production quality and quantity and evaluated daily data to address inefficiencies.
- Kept stock healthy with adequate food, water and open space.
- Attended promptly to needs of sick cows to maintain health of livestock.
- Got certificate for grande free season
Dairy Farm Conversions
Motgramery
Methven
06.2000 - 06.2006
- Improved herd health with regular monitoring, vaccinations, and timely veterinary consultations.
- Managed dairy farm personnel for effective task delegation, scheduling, and overall productivity.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness, complying with industry regulations to ensure quality product output.
- . Managed waste disposal processes according to environmental regulations, ensuring minimal impact on surrounding ecosystems .
- Oversaw pasture management activities such as seeding, fertilizing, mowing, and irrigation system maintenance .
- Reduced calf mortality rates through proper care and management of newborn calves.
- Coordinated with vendors to negotiate pricing on feed, supplies, equipment purchases, and services rendered to the farm.
- . Implemented biosecurity measures to prevent disease outbreaks among animals from neighboring farms or wildlife interactions .
- Enhanced milk production by implementing efficient animal nutrition and feeding strategies.
- . Created a positive work environment by fostering open communication channels between employees at various levels within the organization .
- Reviewed soil fertility reports to develop customized crop rotation plans that maximized nutrient availability while minimizing erosion risks .
- Supervised construction projects for new facilities or expansions, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
Education
Methven High School
Methven, CANSkills
- Farm maintenance
- Herd management
- Calving assistance
- Milk quality control
- Animal behavior
- Milking techniques
- Great animal-handling skills
- Reproductive management
- Animal nutrition
- Animal welfare
- Medicine administration
- Feeding programs
- Pasture management
- Team oversight
- Breeding strategies
- Forage production
- Manure handling
- Milking processes
- Animal husbandry
- Safety practices
- Livestock management
- Breeding
- Staff management
- Worker hiring
- Worker training
- Animal breeding
- Irrigation system
- Team supervision
- Chemical application
- Soil preparation
- Scheduling
- Animal record maintenance
- Work scheduling
- Production oversight
- Sheep shearing
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Decision-making
- Team building
- Self motivation
Timeline
Blueberries Orchards
Mot Berries
09.2016 - Current
Dairy Farmer Conversion
Owner
06.2009 - 06.2015
Contract Milker
Canterbury Grasslands
06.2006 - 06.2009
Dairy Farm Conversions
Motgramery
06.2000 - 06.2006
Methven High School