Dairy Farm Worker

Overview

A dairy farm employee assists in daily operations on the farm. This can include milking, calving, feeding and breeding.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Ensure cattle have access to food and water.
• Identify sick animals and work with veterinarian to determine proper treatment
• Assist in breeding programs including artificial inseminations and synchronization
• Perform and assist in milking operations
• Assist in tagging and feeding of calves
• Assist in vaccination programs
• Maintain and build fences
• Clean milking parlor after each milking
• Ensure milk quality and safety is not compromised by following standards
• Maintain high standards of animal welfare
• Take milk samples from tanks
• Clean tanks after milk is picked up by truck

What education and training is required?

A high school diploma is required. Although it is not always required associates degree in animal science or animal husbandry would be recommended.

To pursue a career as a dairy farm worker:

The following high school courses are recommended:  agricultural education, animal science, biology, mathematics and chemistry.

Where can I work?

As a farm worker you have the ability to work for different sizes of farms. You may work for a small cow/calf operation or you may work for a larger dairy.

Future Job Market / Outlook

The future outlook for a dairy farm worker will be good over the next five years.

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• American Dairy Association
• Dairy Management Inc.
• United Dairy Industry Association