Fodder Production Manager

About the role

A client of Stratostaff East Africa, a large cattle ranch in Nyeri with extensive land, grasslands and open terrain, is looking for a Fodder Production Manager. The role plans and oversees fodder cultivation, production, harvesting and feed supply so that high-quality feed consistently supports the herd under the fattening program, coordinating feed output with herd nutritional demand.

Key responsibilities

• Manage large-scale irrigated or rain-fed fodder areas, including seed selection, planting schedules, irrigation, soil fertility and integrated pest management.
• Oversee harvesting and implement preservation methods such as silage and hay to minimise spoilage and nutrient loss.
• Operate and maintain feed processing equipment (mixers, shredders, pelletizers) and develop balanced, cost-effective feed rations for each fattening stage.
• Work with the livestock manager to align fodder supply with fattening schedules and target market dates, following scientific feeding protocols for optimal daily weight gain.
• Carry out regular nutritional analysis of fodder and feed ingredients (dry matter, crude protein, energy).
• Develop and manage production budgets, control costs and oversee maintenance of farm machinery.
• Supervise and train the fodder production team, ensuring compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Maintain records of crop yields, feed production, feed conversion ratios and animal performance.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Animal Nutrition or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 5-7 years of proven experience in commercial fodder production and/or farm management, preferably on a ranch or feedlot.
• Hands-on experience with livestock feed formulation and processing equipment is essential.
• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment with flexibility for extended hours during peak season.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of soil health, crop rotation, irrigation systems and sustainable farming practices.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making and leadership skills.