Dairy Cattle Farmer
SOC 11-9013.00 · ESCO 1311 · OSCA 152231
Role snapshot
Overview
Runs a dairy operation with twice-daily milking schedules, monitoring herd health, managing feed rations, and maintaining milking equipment. Balances hands-on animal care with meticulous record-keeping on milk yields, breeding cycles, and quality compliance. This role involves significant physical labor, animal management, and business acumen to ensure the farm's productivity and profitability.
Contributes to the food supply chain by producing milk and dairy products, ensuring animal welfare, and managing agricultural land sustainably. Supports rural economies through employment and local purchasing.
On the job
- Perform twice-daily milking routines, ensuring hygiene and equipment functionality
- Monitor individual cow health, administer basic veterinary care, and manage breeding programs
- Develop and manage feed rations, ensuring proper nutrition for the herd
- Operate and maintain farm machinery, including tractors, feeders, and milking systems
- Maintain detailed records of milk production, feed consumption, health treatments, and financial transactions
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
Formal education such as a certificate or associate's degree in dairy science, animal husbandry, or agricultural business, combined with significant practical experience.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Dairy Cattle Farmer
Agriculture & Food
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
enterprising · ERC
People who enjoy leading operations, working hands-on with animals and equipment, and maintaining organised records and procedures tend to thrive in this role.
Personality characteristics
Conscientious
Highly organised, disciplined, and reliable in managing daily farm operations and animal welfare.
Practical
Enjoys working with hands, machinery, and animals to achieve tangible results on the farm.
Resilient
Remains calm and composed when facing challenges such as equipment breakdowns or animal health issues.
Managerial
Takes initiative and responsibility for the overall operation, making decisions and overseeing tasks.
Cooperative
Works effectively with veterinarians, suppliers, and any farmhands to ensure smooth operations.
Best for
- Individuals who are passionate about animal welfare and enjoy working with livestock.
- Those who prefer a hands-on, practical role with a strong sense of responsibility and routine.
- People who thrive in an environment where their work directly contributes to food production.
Watch out for
- The work environment is primarily outdoors and physically demanding, irrespective of weather conditions.
- The job requires significant commitment to early mornings and regular weekend work due to animal care needs.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Dairy Cattle Farmer — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
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