Buitelaar Offer Progressive Career Opportunities

At Buitelaar Group, we’re incredibly lucky to have such a hard-working, talented, and passionate team, who go above and beyond their day jobs.

Offering progressive opportunities through a variety of different routes into the industry, we understand just how vital the right guidance and support is when developing a bright future.

Harper Adams alumni Joanne Alderson, now leads a team of highly knowledgeable and experienced calf specialists, playing a pivotal role in the development of our growing network of contracted rearers across the UK.

Not from an agricultural background, Joanne’s agricultural-focused career flourished through her passion, hard-work, and appreciation of the farming industry. It is this passion that led to her current role as Buitelaar’s Rearing Manager.

Read on to find out more.

‘I started out working on a friend’s dairy farm; quickly realising that I had a passion for agriculture. The job initially started off as a bet, “you won’t get up in the morning and milk the cows for a whole week!” – and guess what, I did!

I continued to work during my weekends and school holidays; seeing the animals grow and how their development fascinated me. I assisted in milking, feeding, and bedding the calves, as well as feeding pigs, chickens, and general farm work.

On the completion of my A Levels, I knew that I wanted to study and pursue Agriculture in higher education. I looked at several universities and colleges and decided Harper Adams was the one for me. After completing a foundation course, I decided to do a Higher National Diploma (HND), followed by a top up course. I finally graduated with a degree in Agricultural Environmental Management, in 2004.

I travelled up to Scotland after my graduation and worked on the Duke of Buccleuch Estate at Drumlanrig Castle as a Youngstock Manager. I worked on their dairy unit for around two years, where I looked after the young calves, right up to 18-20 months. My role progressed quite quickly, and I became the Assistant Herd Manager; a real achievement!

After working in Scotland, I travelled closer to home, and got a job working for the Rural Payments Agency, performing cattle inspections on various farms. However, it became clear that my real passion lies in calf rearing and I found my place with Buitelaar around four years ago. I initially started as part of the Tech Team, seeing progression to the Rearing Manager – I have been here ever since, and I love it!

I enjoy managing the rearers across the country and seeing their businesses grow from strength to strength. As the industry changes and new challenges come about, our team make sure we’re there to help each rearing system overcome any hurdles.’

From over-the-phone advice, to helping adapt calf-rearing buildings, the Tech Team are a strong support mechanism to all our contracted rearers up and down the UK.

‘I’m proud of the strong relationships we have with our team of rearers; they are not only clients, but often friends too.

One of my biggest career highlights has been working alongside a hardworking and driven team at Buitelaar. There is a huge wealth of knowledge and always someone you can go to if you need anything; I like to think anyone can come to me if they need advice too!

I’m incredibly proud to work for Buitelaar, it’s a great company and we’re all one big work family. If you’re thinking about joining our team and you have a great work ethic, you’ll fit in brilliantly!’

As the business continues to expand, we’re now recruiting for new talent in a range of different departments across the company, including Marketing and Communications, Livestock Production, Administration and Commercial roles.

Additionally, following the successful launch of the Graduate Schemes last year, we’re pleased to be in the process of onboarding new talent for both the Commercial and Livestock graduate programmes 2022/23.

If you are thinking about pursuing a career with us, find out more here.