Melita Finnigan
Townsville,QLD
Summary
Ambitious, hardworking farmer with lifelong background with all facets of dairy farming, including managing staff.
Strengths include managing herd health and maintaining health records. Milk harvesting high quality product and complying with industry standards for fresh milk market. QA audits and complying with supplier standards for high quality product.
Time management is key to farming. Being organised and having plans in place for each day will help the day forge ahead.
Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Calf Rearing
Genesis Ag
06.2022 - 11.2023
- Increased calf survival rates by implementing proper feeding and nutrition protocols.
- Enhanced overall herd health through regular monitoring of calves for illnesses and timely medical intervention.
- Maintained accurate records for each calf, tracking growth progress and vaccination schedules.
- Developed a safe and clean environment for the calves by regularly sanitizing living quarters to prevent disease outbreaks.
- Implemented appropriate biosecurity measures to minimize the risk of disease transmission between animals on the farm.
- Collaborated with fellow team members to troubleshoot issues related to calf rearing and implement effective solutions promptly.
- Coordinated vaccinations schedules proactively, reducing instances of illness among the herd significantly.
- Examined animals for signs of sickness and overall herd health.
- Rotated animals between grazing areas to provide enough access to food.
- Improved weaning success rates with gradual introduction of solid feed and close observation of calf behavior during transition periods.
Dairy Farmer
SW Dairies
09.2000 - 06.2022
- Milk Harvesting in both rotary and herringbone operations, with cow numbers varying from 400 through to 2500
- calf rearing from 12 hours old through to weaning.
- colostrum management - ensuring all new born calves have been given 4 litres of clean and excellent quality colostrum within 24 hours of birth.
- Increased milk production by implementing effective breeding and feeding strategies.
- Enhanced herd health through regular monitoring, vaccinations, and preventative care measures.
- Managed dairy operations for optimal efficiency with precise record-keeping and data analysis.
- Ensured high-quality milk by maintaining clean milking equipment and practicing proper sanitation protocols.
- Reduced calf mortality rates through close monitoring of newborns and providing timely medical intervention when needed.
- Trained farm personnel to maintain high standards of animal welfare and farm productivity.
- Developed effective biosecurity protocols to minimize the risk of disease outbreaks on the farm.
- Collaborated with veterinarians to implement herd health programs targeting specific areas of concern such as mastitis or lameness.
- Improved calving ease through selective breeding decisions, reducing complications during calving season.
- Cultivated strong relationships with suppliers, securing favourable pricing on vital resources.
- Managed operational records, administrative needs, new employee hiring and inductions.
- Implemented successful strategies to maximize dairy production with enhanced nutrition and herd health initiatives.
- Set and improved standard operating procedures for the safe working practices of both staff and contractors.
- Placed supply orders, restocked supplies and merchandised products for purchase by customers.
- Wrote and improved SOPs to maintain consistency across shifts and work areas.
Kitchen Hand
Vic Gentile
10.1992 - 05.1993
- Ensured cleanliness and sanitation by thoroughly washing dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment.
- Maintained a well-organized work area by consistently cleaning surfaces and organizing supplies.
- Supported chefs in food preparation tasks such as chopping ingredients, peeling vegetables, and marinating meats.
- Streamlined kitchen operations by efficiently handling multiple responsibilities simultaneously under pressure.
- Assisted with meal presentation, garnishing dishes, and arranging serving platters to create an appealing visual display.
Education
Diploma - Diploma of Human Resources
Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE
Seymour, VIC05.2014
No Degree - Cert IV in Agriculture
Tafe SA Regional
Mount Gambier, SA01.2012
High School Diploma -
Allendale East Area School
Allendale East, SA11.1989
Skills
- Problem Solving
- Decision Making
- Staff Management
- Time Management Strength
- Innovative
- Team Leadership
- Employee Training
Additional Information
I am wanting to change my career and life. Ive been a dairy farmer for 30 years and Im interested in drug and alcohol and mental health. Im currently studying dual certificate IV in both these areas.
Timeline
Calf Rearing
Genesis Ag
06.2022 - 11.2023
Dairy Farmer
SW Dairies
09.2000 - 06.2022
Kitchen Hand
Vic Gentile
10.1992 - 05.1993
Diploma - Diploma of Human Resources
Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE
No Degree - Cert IV in Agriculture
Tafe SA Regional
High School Diploma -
Allendale East Area School