How to become A Dairy Farmer

• Dairy Farm Manager
• Dairy Herd Manager
• Dairy Operations Manager
• Dairy Farm Assistant
• Dairy Farm Owner

What do Dairy Farmers do?

A Dairy Farmer would typically need to:

• Take care of dairy cows to ensure they produce the maximum amount of milk possible
• Ensures the cows receive their timely feed, food supplements, and vaccinations; take care of the sick animals
• Dispose of their biological wastes properly and keep the cows’ resting areas clean and hygienic
• Use special equipment to milk the cows efficiently and pasteurise the milk as per government regulations
• Make sure all areas of the dairy farm and all its equipment are clean and well maintained
• Collaborate with animal veterinarians to keep animals in good health and dispense essential vaccinations and treatments
• Draw up animal feeding plans that yield maximum milk production levels after consulting with animal nutritionists and livestock feed sales representatives
• Schedule and monitor on-farm audits to confirm herd health and well-being, employee training, and milk quality
• Follow safety protocols and hygiene regulations as per the government and organisational requirements
• Coordinate with stakeholders such as dairy producers, contractors, dealers, and engineers on relevant projects
• Keep tabs on-farm staff such as stock managers, herders, parlour managers and milkers to ensure a smooth workflow
• Deliver or manage the delivery of milk and dairy products to their respective destinations when necessary
• Observe the animals and record their activities for future reference

Working outdoors in various weather conditions and extreme temperatures is common practice amongst Dairy Farmers. They spend the better part of their workday on site, although they may need to travel to the offices of other stakeholders such as dairy producers, contractors, dealers, and engineers. 

Their work necessitates that they frequently come in contact with large animals, making protective equipment and adherence to safety rules a must in the workplace. 

Dairy Farmers generally work more than eight to ten hours a day and on nights and weekends. Their workday may frequently start before dawn.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Dairy Farmers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, and leveraging social media. Self-employment is a viable option.

Dairy Farmers are generally employed by: 

• Large Corporate Companies
• Small Dairy Producers
• Dairy Cooperatives

Professional associations and organisations, such as Global Dairy Farmers, are crucial for Dairy Farmers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.

Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Working outdoors regardless of extreme temperatures and weather conditions
• Dealing with large animals can be threatening to personal safety
• Having to work odd hours like nights and weekends can get frustrating
• Waking up to begin work before dawn each day may get tiring and lead to a lack of social life

Any academic program that a potential Dairy Farmer takes up typically requires eighteen months of supervised experience, such as an apprenticeship in agriculture or agricultural business management. 

Direct, hands-on, practical experience dealing with dairy cows is crucial. You will gain optimal benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments. 

Apprenticing in an established dairy farming operation could prove highly beneficial to bagging your first job. 

Alternatively, you could gain the needed experience by working with youth programs that give young people interested in the industry the opportunity to handle various farm animals and participate in livestock shows.

Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working in the dairy farming industry to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. 

Dairy Farmers generally require a two- or four-year degree in dairy science, agriculture, or animal science. Such courses should typically cover a range of subjects such as dairy science, anatomy, physiology, reproduction, crop science, farm management, technology, and agricultural marketing. 

High School students interested in pursuing careers in the dairy farming industry would find mathematics, accounting, agricultural science, digital technology, and biology helpful.

Certification demonstrates a Dairy Farmer’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination.

Voluntary certification from an objective and reputed organisation in animal resources, dairy cattle nutrition, animal nutrition, animal genetics, or animal welfare science can help you stand out in a competitive job market and increase your chances of advancement.

Dairy Farmers typically need to have a valid driver’s license. Typically, licensure requires an application, processing fees, an examination, and relevant education and experience.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Dairy farmers who can choose to go down diverse career paths.

Those with a degree in veterinary or agriculture may become Farm Managers or Head Veterinarians.

Dairy Farmers who own their business can expand the operation to increase their profits. Hired hands working on the farm may become Farm Managers or start their own dairy farming business.

Candidates with a degree in dairy science, agriculture, or animal science have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Dairy Farmer build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. 

Working professionals may study to gain additional business management qualifications or attend farming discussion groups to improve their work. 

CPD is necessary for the regular renewal of essential certifications and licenses. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

A dairy cooperative typically represents the interests of a group of dairy farmers who work together to produce milk or related milk products. These farmers are individually usually small self-employed producers. Coming together to form a cooperative helps negotiate competitive rates for the dairy products and access special guaranteed markets.

The cooperative is controlled and owned by each member equally; they all share in the profits and costs of production. The sizes and primary purpose of different cooperatives may differ, with some providing milk and some specialising in cheese production. 

Potential Pros & Cons of Self-Employment vs Full-Time Employment

Self-employed Dairy Farmers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort, and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Dairy Farmer has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

On average, a cow produces 6.3 gallons of milk each day, supplying a total of more than 2,300 gallons each year.

By dint of the strength of their back and the sweat on their brow, Dairy Farmers overcome enormous and arduous challenges to ensure the majority of the global population doesn’t miss out on an essential component of their daily diet. 

Like the products they supply, their vital contribution to the world often goes unremarked but is never forgotten.

Give equal priority to money management and on-farm activities.