• Reading and interpreting cattle documentation, feed sheets, feeding guides, government regulations, and nutritionist or veterinarian prescriptions
• Gaining and putting into practice strong knowledge of safety and sanitary procedures for animals, machinery, chemicals, and pesticides
• Ensuring cattle health and comfort are maintained by treating cattle health problems, monitoring feeding conditions, maintaining barn, selecting replacement stock, and overseeing breeding program
• Performing required pre-milking and milking procedures; ensuring that sanitary conditions exist for the handling, collection, and storage of milk; attaching milking units and making necessary adjustments; keeping accurate and up-to-date milking records
• Performing manure management procedures by removing, storing, and spreading manure; understanding and remaining in compliance with biosecurity and environmental issues and regulations
• Preparing for calving by observing the cattle; requesting additional assistance when required to ensure calf is delivered healthily and safely in well-prepared environment
• Performing young calf and heifer rearing techniques
  • Correct identification procedures
  • Administering injections and medications to promote good health
  • Implementing and maintaining feeding schedules for heifers
  • Continually observing and monitoring herd for signs of stress and illness
• Operating and maintaining farm systems, vehicles, equipment, and farm machinery
• Producing, harvesting, and storing feed crops, if applicable
• Using computers and related software to maintain production, breeding, and financial records
• Hiring and supervising staff

• Secondary school diploma with math, science, and English credits; Agricultural Specialist High Skills Major program may be asset
• While not mandatory, completion of a 6,000-hour apprenticeship, including a combination of on-the-job and in-school training, is recommended

• Employment opportunities linked to agricultural industry trends
• Potential jobs include dairy herdsperson, supervisory positions like dairy operations manager or farm supervisor, or government inspector
• Herdspersons may find work with family farms or corporate entities; establishing own dairy operation requires extremely large capital investment

Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $20.00-$29.00 per hour. 

Agriculture - Dairy Herdsperson (640D)

If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as an Agriculture - Dairy Herdsperson (640D) may be for you!

You might want to look at these similar trades as well;

• Farm Supervisor
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