Michael Clear
Haslemere,Surrey
Summary
Experienced farm manager with a comprehensive background in business management and budgeting, dairy herd management, feed management, and record keeping. Demonstrated expertise in staff management, crop management, and quality forage production. Skilled in cattle breeding and reproduction including genomics, as well as farm machinery operation and maintenance with a focus on robotic milking machines. Proven track record in direct selling of farm produce. Holds a full driving licence with no endorsements.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
3972
3972
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Soil Sampling Technician
Stephen Woodley Crop Services
Billingshurst
09.2024 - 03.2025
- Short term contract carrying out precision soil testing
- Traveled extensively to various project sites for sample collection.
- Managed sampling equipment, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
- Facilitated communication amongst team members, fostering a productive work environment.
House renovations
self employed
Haslemere, Surrey
05.2024 - 09.2024
- Carried out complete renovations to our house in Haslemere
- Learnt many new skills to complete the renovation to the high standard required
- Assisted local forage contractor when required in making quality forage, hay and haylage.
Dairy Farmer
Pierrepont Farm
Frensham, Surrey
04.2006 - 04.2024
- Took on the tenancy of Pierrepont with my late wife, Beverley, and children Patrick and Zoe
- The farm came with 60 pedigree Jersey cows in a very dated setup with a 6 abreast parlour, averaging 4000 litres/cow.
- Worked with our landlords, The Countryside restoration Trust (CRT) to built a new greenfield site dairy in 2010/11, allowing installation of 2 robotic milking machines
- Increased the herd to 120 cows, which was later increased to 150 with a third robot installed
- Cows averaged 7800 litres milk, and we were in the top 10% national of herds on production efficiency
- compliant to Red Tractor, Arlagarden and Arla Climate Check Standards
- Herd was accredited as High Health Status.
- Gained several awards for milk hygiene, forage production and efficiency
- Won many prizes at both local and national shows and herd competitions
- Worked with our landlords and a team of volunteers to manage and enhance the flora and forna on the farm.
- Sold milk direct to the public, through a raw milk vending machine, also periodically selling Jersey beef and Rose veal.
- Hosted farm open days and visits with the CRT, Open farm Sunday, Jersey cattle society, and many local groups
- Provided work experience and training opportunities for Vet and agricultural students
- Area Representative for Arla 2020-2022.
- Reluctantly closed the business when the tenancy came to an end, and we were unable to find a new opportunity.
Herd Manager
Andrew LeGallais, Roseland Jerseys
Jersey
08.1999 - 04.2006
- Managed the Roseland herd of 140 Jerseys
- Responsible for milking, herd health, fertility and feeding.
- Achieved highest levels of production efficiency and milk hygiene
Herdsman
Various
08.1990 - 07.1999
- Worked on various dairy farms, gaining experience in herd and farm management
- 2 years self employed providing a relief milking and foot trimming service to local farmers
- Gained much experience of different farming systems
Farm Worker
various
New Zealand
07.1988 - 03.1989
- As part of a Jersey Youth Exchange Program, I travelled to New Zealand, where I worked on various farms and farming systems
GFW/Milker
Charles Reader, Barn Owl Jerseys
Northamptonshire
09.1986 - 08.1988
- Responsible for milking, tractor driving, calf feeding and general farm work
Education
National Certificate - Dairy Farming
Sparsholt College
09.1989 - 06.1990
CSE - English, Technical studies (woodwork), History, French, English language, Geography, Mathematics, Science, Integrated science
Great Cornard Upper School
Sudbury, SuffolkBTEC National Diploma - Engineering
West Suffolk College of Further Education
/1984 - 07.1986
Skills
- Business management and budgeting
- Dairy herd management, feed management and record keeping
- Staff management
- Crop management and quality forage production
- Cattle breeding and reproduction including genomics
- Farm machinery operation and maintenance including robotic milking machines
- Experience of direct selling of farm produce
- Full Driving licence with no endorsements
Affiliations
- 4 grand children, soon to be 5
- Walking and cycling
- DIY, currently finishing complete restoration of our current house
Custom
Available on request
Accomplishments
- Member of Jersey UK
- Chairman Southern Jersey Cattle Breeders Club
- Herd won many prizes at local and National shows, including interbreed championships, Super cow competition at South of England Show, and representing the Jersey breed at the Dairy Event.
- Finalist at Forfarmers National forage efficiency awards.
Timeline
Soil Sampling Technician
Stephen Woodley Crop Services
09.2024 - 03.2025
House renovations
self employed
05.2024 - 09.2024
Dairy Farmer
Pierrepont Farm
04.2006 - 04.2024
Herd Manager
Andrew LeGallais, Roseland Jerseys
08.1999 - 04.2006
Herdsman
Various
08.1990 - 07.1999
National Certificate - Dairy Farming
Sparsholt College
09.1989 - 06.1990
Farm Worker
various
07.1988 - 03.1989
GFW/Milker
Charles Reader, Barn Owl Jerseys
09.1986 - 08.1988
CSE - English, Technical studies (woodwork), History, French, English language, Geography, Mathematics, Science, Integrated science
Great Cornard Upper School
BTEC National Diploma - Engineering
West Suffolk College of Further Education
/1984 - 07.1986
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