Breeding Lead - Swine Production

About the role

Are you passionate about animal care, team leadership, and continuous improvement? Join our progressive swine operation as a Sow Breeding Lead, where you’ll play a critical role in driving sow productivity, mentoring a dedicated team, and upholding the highest standards of animal welfare. In this leadership role, you’ll train and guide the breeding team while working hands-on in a modern facility featuring Electronic Sow Feeding (ESF), open-pen gestation, industry-leading biosecurity, and a herd that is 50% antibiotic-free. You’ll report directly to the Sow Barn Manager and help shape daily operations and long-term breeding success.

Responsibilities

• Lead and train the breeding team with a focus on best-in-class breeding techniques, efficiency, and attention to detail
• Oversee day-to-day breeding barn operations including heat detection, breeding timing, pregnancy confirmation, and animal movement
• Monitor barn systems including ventilation, watering, and electronic feed systems
• Manage sow condition scoring, cull selection, and non-productive days; develop and manage the ESF Push List
• Oversee sow health by monitoring hospital pens, coordinating treatments and vaccinations, and providing feedback to management
• Review production reports and use data to drive continuous improvement
• Project breeding schedules, order semen, and strategize to meet production targets
• Set team goals, assign daily tasks, manage time effectively, and hold team members accountable
• Ensure animal handling, welfare, and biosecurity policies are followed at all times

Requirements

• Previous livestock management experience (swine preferred, but dairy, heifer, or poultry experience considered)
• Associate’s degree or technical school degree preferred OR 5+ years of relevant livestock experience
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to train, motivate, and hold a team accountable
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
• Ability to stand for most of the day and lift up to 50 lbs

Benefits

• A modern, forward-thinking operation with advanced technology
• A culture rooted in animal welfare, safety, and continuous improvement
• The opportunity to grow your leadership career in agriculture

Essential functions

• Comply with all biosecurity, animal welfare, and safety policies
• Consistently demonstrate company Mission, Vision, and Values
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support barn operations

Physical & work environment requirements

• Frequent movement throughout barns and production areas
• Regular lifting, bending, reaching, and animal handling
• Occasional ladder use and equipment maintenance
• Exposure to farm environments including noise, dust, temperature changes, and livestock