Crops Operations Manager

Oakridge Dairy • Full-time • Ellington, Connecticut, United States • 2w ago

About Oakridge Dairy

Oakridge Dairy is a progressive, majority family-owned dairy operation based in Ellington, Connecticut, dedicated to producing high-quality milk through strong herd management, advanced crop production practices, and a team-first culture. With a commitment to excellence, integrity, and continuous improvement, Oakridge Dairy operates with a forward-thinking mindset—investing in people, land stewardship, and modern agricultural practices to support both the herd and the community. The crops division plays a critical role in producing high-quality corn silage, haylage, soybeans, and forage crops that fuel herd performance and long-term farm sustainability.

We are seeking an experienced Crops Operations Manager to lead all aspects of crop production and forage management for our dairy operation. This hands-on leadership role oversees planning, planting, nutrient management, harvest, storage, and compliance - ensuring the production of high-quality feed crops including corn silage, haylage, soybeans, and other forage and grain crops.

This is an opportunity for a results-driven agricultural leader who thrives in both strategy and field execution, enjoys managing a team, and understands the importance of agronomy, equipment management, manure systems, and regulatory compliance in a modern dairy crop operation.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive annual salary (DOE)
401(k) with eligibility after 60 days
Health, dental, and vision insurance available Day 1
PTO: 80 hours at start + additional 40 hours after one year
Company-provided uniforms
Company truck
Weekly cell phone reimbursement

Key Responsibilities

Crop Production & Agronomy Management

Lead all crop production activities including planting, drilling, spraying, harvesting, trucking, and forage pile management
Oversee corn silage production, haylage production, soybean production, and forage crop management
Coordinate crop planning, rotations, and long-term soil health strategies
Manage fertilizer application and nutrient management programs
Track feed quality and implement improvements to maximize herd performance
Ensure timely procurement of seed, fertilizer, crop inputs, and grain

Manure & Nutrient Management

Oversee manure handling, application, and dragline operations
Ensure compliance with CAFO and CNMP regulations
Collaborate with agronomists, NRCS, FSA, and regulatory partners
Optimize nutrient value while protecting soil and water quality

Farm Equipment & Operations Leadership

Operate and oversee heavy farm machinery and semi-trucks
Maintain CDL compliance (CDL preferred)
Promote safe equipment operation and enforce safety protocols
Coordinate preventative maintenance and minimize downtime during peak seasons
Oversee maintenance and upkeep of all Oakridge-owned facilities and equipment across both dairy and crop operations.

Team Leadership & Farm Management

Organize, lead, and develop the crops team
Assign daily and weekly tasks and manage team schedules
Provide performance feedback and conduct training on equipment and safety
Review employee hours and approve payroll
Approve invoices and manage operational expenses

Crop Data, Cost Control & Performance Metrics

Track cost of production and crop performance data
Analyze operational metrics and identify efficiency improvements
Implement cost-reduction strategies while maintaining quality standards

Compliance & Land Management

Maintain up-to-date CAFO documentation and nutrient management plans
Coordinate FSA mapping and landowner documentation
Support NRCS program compliance and grant opportunities
Maintain accurate operational records

Community & Landowner Relations

Build strong relationships with landowners and neighboring farmers
Support opportunities to grow the farm’s land base
Maintain Oakridge Dairy’s positive community reputation

Qualifications

Strong agricultural background with experience in agronomy, crop production, or dairy crop operations
Proven experience growing corn, soybeans, hay, and forage crops
Knowledge of manure management and nutrient application systems
Experience operating heavy farm equipment and trucks
CDL preferred
Comfortable working hands-on in the field and around livestock
Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills

What We’re Looking For

Oakridge Dairy values individuals who demonstrate:

Strong work ethic and dependability
Integrity and transparent communication
Team-oriented leadership
Forward-thinking, proactive problem-solving
Attention to detail and accountability
Adaptability during seasonal demands and weather changes
A passion for agriculture and continuous improvement

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