- Hard Working
- Problem Solver
- Quick Learner
- Honest
- Tertiary education
- 5+ Years experience
- Management experience
- Effective communication
Why I'm the Right Fit for Your Farm
Experienced Farm Manager
Your search for a passionate and experienced manager with a proven track record of increasing farm efficiency and profitability ends here. I bring 5+ years of feedlot and breeding herd management expertise (managing 16 000+ cattle at a time), coupled with a B.Sc. in Agriculture, to the table. I also have experience managing a dairy herd in New Zealand
What sets me apart?
- Strong foundation in cattle management: My experience ensures I can hit the ground running and contribute meaningfully to your team’s success.
Proven Track Record in Efficient Livestock Management
My passion for animal well-being is deeply intertwined with a commitment to maximizing production and profitability. I have consistently demonstrated a strong ability to implement strategies that enhance animal health, improve feed efficiency, and optimize herd performance.
- Team player with a focus on communication: I foster positive work environments built on trust, respect, and open communication.
More than just qualifications, I bring dedication and a desire to grow. I’m eager to discuss how my expertise aligns with your farm’s needs.
Let’s connect!
Meet Ruan de Villiers
Get to know me in just 30 seconds
What do people say?
Testimonials from the folks who know me in a professional capacity.
"I've had the pleasure of working with Ruan as a manager at SIS Feedlot. His dedication to animal welfare and his thorough preparation for consultations have been consistently impressive. Ruan's knowledge of livestock health and management is evident in the overall condition of the animals under his care. He has a proactive approach to addressing potential issues and is always willing to learn and implement new practices.
Ruan has also attended numerous lectures and talks by industry experts, demonstrating his eagerness to stay updated on the latest developments in livestock management. This commitment to continuous learning has allowed him to expand his already vast knowledge base and provide valuable insights to our team.
Beyond his professional skills, Ruan is a pleasure to work with. His positive attitude and friendly demeanor make him a valuable asset to any team. I highly recommend Ruan for his expertise and commitment to excellence.
Ruan has also attended numerous lectures and talks by industry experts, demonstrating his eagerness to stay updated on the latest developments in livestock management. This commitment to continuous learning has allowed him to expand his already vast knowledge base and provide valuable insights to our team.
Beyond his professional skills, Ruan is a pleasure to work with. His positive attitude and friendly demeanor make him a valuable asset to any team. I highly recommend Ruan for his expertise and commitment to excellence.
Dr. Shaun Morris
leading Veterinary surgeon and feedlot consultant in south Africa
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Ruan. I had the pleasure of working alongside Ruan at SIS Feedlot, where his exceptional skills and dedication were evident in every task he undertook.
Ruan is a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a strong work ethic. His ability to manage complex projects, lead teams effectively, and deliver exceptional results is truly commendable. They possess a deep understanding of the agricultural industry and a passion for driving operational excellence.
In addition to his technical skills, Ruan is a pleasure to work with. He is a team player, always willing to lend a helping hand and foster a positive work environment. His ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and stakeholders is a valuable asset.
I have no hesitation in recommending Ruan for any level of management position at your farm. He is a talented and dedicated professional who will undoubtedly make a significant contribution to your team. .
Ruan is a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a strong work ethic. His ability to manage complex projects, lead teams effectively, and deliver exceptional results is truly commendable. They possess a deep understanding of the agricultural industry and a passion for driving operational excellence.
In addition to his technical skills, Ruan is a pleasure to work with. He is a team player, always willing to lend a helping hand and foster a positive work environment. His ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and stakeholders is a valuable asset.
I have no hesitation in recommending Ruan for any level of management position at your farm. He is a talented and dedicated professional who will undoubtedly make a significant contribution to your team. .
Drikus Van Aswegen
Feedlot manager
Ruan was a reliable and hardworking employee at our Kansas feedlot. He consistently showed up on time and was always willing to put in the extra effort. His dedication to his work was admirable, and he was a valuable asset to our team.
Beyond his work ethic, Ruan also impressed us with his integrity and honesty. He was always upfront about his responsibilities and never shied away from admitting mistakes. His willingness to take ownership of his actions and learn from them is a testament to his character.
Overall, we were extremely satisfied with Ruan's performance. His hard work, reliability, and integrity made him a valuable member of our team. We would not hesitate to recommend him for future employment opportunities.
Beyond his work ethic, Ruan also impressed us with his integrity and honesty. He was always upfront about his responsibilities and never shied away from admitting mistakes. His willingness to take ownership of his actions and learn from them is a testament to his character.
Overall, we were extremely satisfied with Ruan's performance. His hard work, reliability, and integrity made him a valuable member of our team. We would not hesitate to recommend him for future employment opportunities.
Tyler Vathauer
Feedlot Owner
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
Proven Leadership and Management Skills
Transforming Feedlot Operations
My experience managing a large-scale feedlot in South Africa has equipped me with the proven leadership and management skills necessary to drive operational excellence and achieve significant results.
Key Achievements:
- Optimized operational efficiency: Successfully implemented strategies to streamline processes and reduce costs, resulting in a increase in productivity.
- Developed and implemented employee training programs: Fostered a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the team.
- Improved animal health outcomes: Implemented preventative health measures and disease management protocols, leading to a reduction in mortality rates.
- Enhanced profitability: Implemented cost-saving initiatives and optimized resource allocation, resulting in an increase in profitability.
Leadership Style:
- Collaborative and Inclusive: Fosters a positive and supportive work environment where team members feel valued and empowered.
- Results-Oriented: Drives a culture of high performance and accountability, ensuring that goals are achieved.
- Strategic Thinker: Develops and implements innovative solutions to address challenges and seize opportunities.
My proven leadership and management skills, combined with my deep understanding of the South African agricultural landscape, make me a strong candidate for the General Manager position at your feedlot. I am confident in my ability to lead your team to success and drive sustainable growth for your business.
Proven Track Record in Feedlot Finance Management
Driving Operational Excellence and Financial Performance
As a Feedlot Manager at SIS, I demonstrated a strong ability to analyze and optimize key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive operational excellence and financial success.
Key Achievements:
- Comprehensive Reporting: Accurately compiled and analyzed various production reports, including growth rates, feed conversion rates, slaughter percentages, morbidity and mortality rates, feed costs, replacement costs, running costs, and fixed overhead costs.
- Profit Margin Optimization: Leveraged data-driven insights to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance profitability.
- Continuous Improvement: Utilized performance metrics to monitor progress, identify trends, and make informed decisions to optimize operations.
My ability to effectively analyze and interpret production data, combined with my strategic approach to decision-making, has enabled me to consistently improve operational efficiency and financial performance.
Education and Certification
Formal Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (B.Sc.) – University of the Free State (Achieved good grades)
Certifications:
- Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) Level 1: This certification demonstrates your competence in basic field skills and ecological knowledge.
Specialized Training:
- Cattle Judging Courses (Simbra & Simmental): Earning A symbols in these courses showcases your expertise in breed-specific evaluation and selection.
- Pregnancy Testing Course: This course equips you with the skills to accurately determine cattle pregnancy status.
- Artificial Insemination Course: This training allows you to effectively implement artificial insemination techniques for cattle breeding.
Proven Expertise in Sick Cattle Identification and Treatment
My extensive experience in feedlot management has equipped me with a keen eye for identifying signs of illness in cattle. I have a proven track record of successfully diagnosing and treating various health conditions, ranging from common ailments to more complex cases.
Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to quickly assess a sick animal’s condition, isolate it from the herd, and administer appropriate treatments. In my previous roles, I routinely handled up to 50 sick cattle per day, ensuring timely care and minimizing the spread of disease.
I am also highly proficient in processing large groups of cattle, having experience with groups of up to 600-700 animals per day. My ability to efficiently coordinate vaccination, dosing, dipping, tagging, weighing, and sorting procedures, often with the assistance of just one assistant, showcases my organizational skills and ability to manage demanding tasks.
Key Skills:
- Disease identification and diagnosis
- Treatment administration
- Animal handling and restraint
- Herding and processing large groups of cattle
- Efficient workflow management
Demonstrated Expertise in Operating Heavy Machinery
My extensive experience in feedlot management has equipped me with a wide range of skills in operating various agricultural machinery. I am proficient in handling the following equipment:
- Front-end loader: Efficiently loading, unloading, and moving materials.
- Skid steer: Maneuvering in tight spaces and performing tasks such as cleaning pens and loading manure.
- Tractor with box scraper: Clearing pens, leveling ground, and spreading manure.
- Fork tractor: Loading and unloading materials, such as feed bales and equipment.
In my previous role at a large-scale feedlot in the USA, I was responsible for operating and maintaining a variety of machinery while working alongside only one other employee. This demanding environment necessitated a high degree of versatility and proficiency in handling all necessary tasks.
Key responsibilities and achievements:
- Pen cleaning: Efficiently cleaning and maintaining pens using a box scraper and skid steer.
- Manure management: Loading and transporting manure to fields for spreading.
- Feed handling: Loading feed into the feed box and distributing it throughout the feedlot using a feed truck.
- Infrastructure maintenance: Compacting roads and ensuring proper maintenance of the feedlot.
- Machinery operation: Proficiently operating a range of agricultural equipment, including tractors, loaders, skid steers and truck driving (I have a South African EC license, meaning there is no limit on what I am legally allowed to drive on the road).
Strategic Inventory Management and Risk Mitigation
Ensuring Optimal Stock Levels and Preventing Losses
My experience in feedlot management has equipped me with a keen eye for inventory management and risk mitigation. I have a proven track record of effectively managing feed reserves, ensuring adequate supplies to meet operational needs while minimizing waste.
Key Achievements:
- Accurate Inventory Tracking: Implemented robust inventory management systems to track feed and medication levels accurately.
- Demand Forecasting: Keeping a keen eye on average daily usage to accurately forecast future requirements and avoid stockouts.
- Loss Prevention: Implemented measures to prevent theft and wastage, such as regular stock audits and security protocols.
- Equipment Calibration: Ensured that all syringes were calibrated correctly to prevent medication errors and wastage.
My ability to effectively manage inventory, mitigate risks, and prevent losses will be invaluable in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of your feedlot.
Highlights from previous work experience
Key achievements and accomplishments
Proven Leadership and Management Skills
Transforming Feedlot Operations
As a seasoned Feedlot Manager in South Africa, I have a proven track record of driving operational excellence and achieving significant results. My experience managing a large-scale feedlot has equipped me with the necessary leadership and management skills to excel in this role.
Key Achievements:
- Optimized Operational Efficiency: Successfully implemented strategies to streamline processes and reduce costs, resulting in an increase in productivity.
- Enhanced Profitability: Implemented cost-saving initiatives and optimized resource allocation, leading to an increase in profitability.
- Improved Animal Health and Welfare: Implemented preventative health measures and disease management protocols, resulting in a reduction in mortality rates and improved overall animal well-being.
- Fostered a High-Performance Culture: Developed and implemented employee training programs to enhance skills and create a culture of continuous improvement.
Leadership Style:
- Collaborative and Inclusive: Encourages open communication, teamwork, and a sense of ownership among team members.
- Results-Oriented: Sets clear goals, provides direction, and holds team members accountable for achieving results.
- Strategic Thinker: Analyzes market trends, identifies opportunities, and develops innovative solutions to drive growth.
My proven leadership and management skills, combined with my deep understanding of the agricultural industry, make me a strong candidate for any feedlot management position. I am confident in my ability to lead your team to success and drive sustainable growth for your business.
Demonstrating Exceptional Work Ethic and Versatility
Tenacious Dedication and Adaptability
My 10-month contract in the United States provided me with a unique opportunity to showcase my unwavering work ethic and ability to adapt to demanding environments. Working tirelessly without a day off and averaging 70-100 hours per week, I consistently demonstrated my commitment to achieving exceptional results.
Key Highlights:
- Unmatched Work Ethic: Consistently exceeded expectations by working long hours and maintaining a high level of productivity.
- Versatility and Adaptability: Successfully handled a wide range of responsibilities, including machinery operation, animal care, and facility maintenance.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Effectively addressed challenges and found innovative solutions to ensure smooth operations.
- Efficiency and Time Management: Prioritized tasks and optimized workflows to maximize productivity.
This experience further solidified my ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and take on demanding responsibilities. My dedication, versatility, and problem-solving skills will be invaluable assets in my new role.
Unwavering Commitment and Proactive Approach
My experience as a dairy herd manager in New Zealand has instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and a proactive approach to all tasks. I consistently go above and beyond what is expected, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the farm, regardless of the early starts.
Key Highlights:
- Exceptional Reliability: Consistently punctual, even for early morning milkings (e.g., 3 am starts), demonstrating unwavering commitment to the daily schedule.
- Proactive and Dedicated: Regularly go the extra mile, anticipating needs and undertaking tasks beyond the basic requirements to ensure optimal farm function.
- Comprehensive Skill Set: Proficient in all aspects of dairy farming, including milking, animal health and welfare, irrigation, and general farm maintenance.
- Strong Work Ethic: Maintain a high level of energy and focus throughout long working days, consistently striving for excellence in all duties.
- Commitment to Quality: Dedicated to upholding high standards in milk production, animal care, and overall farm presentation.
This hands-on experience in a demanding agricultural environment has further strengthened my work ethic, reliability, and commitment to exceeding expectations. My proactive nature and dedication to ensuring smooth operations will be a valuable asset to any team.
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