Organization: LOOTAH Group of Companies / https://lootahgroup.com/
Location: Eastern Ethiopia (e.g., East Hararghe, Dire Dawa, Somali Region)
Farm Size: 300+ hectares
Employment Type: Full-Time, Residential
Application Deadline: 15 days after announcement
Expected Start Date: immediate

We are seeking an experienced Livestock Feed & Fodder Farm Manager with proven expertise in commercial fodder production, feed processing, and livestock fattening operations. The successful candidate will manage our 300+ hectare commercial fodder farm in Eastern Ethiopia, specializing in alfalfa and nutrient-rich grasses for camel, sheep, and goat fattening programs.

Key Responsibilities

1. Commercial Fodder Farm Management

• Manage 300+ hectares of irrigated fodder production

• Oversee cultivation of alfalfa and high-nutrient grasses (Rhodes grass, Napier grass, Sudan grass)

• Implement efficient irrigation systems for fodder crops

• Manage seed selection, planting schedules, and harvesting operations

• Optimize yield and quality of fodder production

2. Feed Processing & Formulation

• Operate and maintain feed processing equipment

• Develop balanced feed rations for camels, sheep, and goats

• Manage feed mixing, pelleting, and storage operations

• Implement quality control measures for feed production

• Develop cost-effective feed formulations using locally available ingredients

3. Livestock Fattening Operations

• Manage commercial fattening programs for camels, sheep, and goats

• Implement scientific feeding protocols for optimal weight gain

• Oversee animal health and welfare in fattening units

• Manage fattening cycle planning and marketing schedules

• Maintain records of feed conversion ratios and growth performance

4. Technical Operations

• Conduct nutritional analysis of fodder and feed ingredients

• Manage soil fertility and crop nutrition programs

• Implement integrated pest management in fodder crops

• Oversee machinery and equipment maintenance

• Develop and manage production budgets

5. Community & Market Engagement

• Develop outgrower schemes with local farmers

• Train and supervise farm staff and extension workers

• Establish market linkages for livestock and fodder products

• Implement knowledge transfer to local pastoral communities

What We Offer

• Competitive salary package with performance incentives

• Comfortable on-farm accommodation with utilities

• Vehicle for farm operations

• Professional development opportunities

• Opportunity to make significant impact in livestock sector

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications

Education:

• BSc/MSc in Animal Science, Livestock Production, Agronomy, or related field

• Additional training in feed technology or animal nutrition preferred

Experience:

• Minimum 5-7 years in commercial fodder production

• Proven experience in livestock feed formulation and processing

• Hands-on experience with camel, sheep, and goat fattening programs

• Experience managing large-scale irrigated agriculture

• Grassroots experience working with pastoral communities

Technical Skills:

• Commercial alfalfa and grass production

• Feed processing technology

• Livestock nutrition and ration formulation

• Animal fattening management

• Irrigation system management

• Farm mechanization operations

• Quality control in feed production

• Data recording and analysis

Desired Competencies

• Strong practical skills and hands-on approach

• Excellent communication with rural communities

• Problem-solving in resource-limited settings

• Leadership and team management abilities

• Understanding of pastoral livestock systems

• Fluency in local languages (Somali, Afan Oromo, Amharic)

• Adaptability to semi-arid farming conditions

How To Apply

Send your application to:

Email: ltadmin@lootahindustries.com

Subject: “Fodder Farm Manager Application - [Your Name]”

Selection Process:

Document review and shortlisting

Technical competency assessment

Practical problem-solving exercise

Interview with management team

Reference and experience verification

Work Environment

Based on commercial farm in Eastern Ethiopia

Working with diverse teams including pastoral communities

Hands-on management in field and processing units

Regular interaction with livestock and feed operations

Additional Notes

Preference given to candidates with experience in Eastern Ethiopia

Practical field experience valued over academic qualifications only

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Must be willing to work in rural farm setting

Required Documents:

Detailed CV demonstrating relevant experience

Cover letter addressing the selection criteria

Copies of academic and professional certificates

Three professional references with contact information

Statement of approach to fodder production in dryland areas