Farrowing Lead Advantage

Pipestone • Dekalb, IL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Farrowing Lead oversees farrowing and reproductive care activities and leads a team responsible for the health and well-being of pregnant sows in a modern sow production facility. The role combines animal care, employee leadership, livestock production, and daily farm operations to support pig health, animal welfare, and production success. The position offers opportunities to develop leadership skills and grow a career in agriculture, swine production, or farm management.

The Farrowing Lead trains, coaches, and supports employees in daily production tasks and animal care practices; assigns and manages responsibilities; oversees farrowing and reproductive care; monitors sow and piglet health, welfare, and reproductive performance; maintains production and animal health records; and communicates with farm management about production, animal health, facility concerns, and employee development. The role also includes monitoring ventilation and barn conditions, maintaining clean and orderly facilities, and upholding safety, animal welfare, and biosecurity expectations.

This is a farm-based role in a rural setting, with exposure to livestock, odors, dust, varying temperatures, and noise that may require hearing protection in some areas. The work involves hands-on animal handling and manual labor. Weekend work is required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lead others while maintaining high standards of animal care and production performance.
• Must be able to work weekends.
• Must have a reliable method of transportation to get to and from work.
• Must be able to stand, walk, and be on their feet for 8–10 hours per day.
• Must frequently bend, reach, squat, and kneel; frequently use one or both hands or arms to grasp or pull.
• Must occasionally bend while pulling or lifting objects weighing up to 50 pounds or requiring up to 50 pounds of force to move.
• Must occasionally bend while pulling or lifting objects weighing up to 100 pounds or requiring up to 100 pounds of force to move, with another person's assistance as needed.
• Must be able to print and/or write legibly.

Nice To Haves

• Two or more years of livestock, animal care, agriculture, or swine production experience preferred.
• Leadership experience is beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

• Train, coach, and support employees in daily production tasks and animal care practices.
• Help team members develop skills, improve performance, and achieve production goals.
• Assign and manage daily responsibilities while fostering a positive team environment.
• Oversee farrowing and reproductive care activities within the farrowing department.
• Monitor sow and piglet health, welfare, and reproductive performance.
• Ensure farrowing, animal care, and husbandry protocols are followed consistently.
• Maintain accurate production and animal health records.
• Communicate regularly with farm management regarding production, animal health, facility concerns, and employee development.
• Support production goals through strong organization and attention to detail.
• Monitor ventilation systems and barn environments to promote animal comfort and well-being.
• Ensure facilities remain clean, organized, and properly maintained.
• Uphold company handbook policies, with a focus on safety, animal welfare, and biosecurity protocols.

Benefits

• Paid single health insurance; family health coverage available.
• Dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• Retirement plan.
• Holiday pay.
• Paid time off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED