🐄 Agricultural Dairy Herdsperson
Produce Track
Non-Compulsory Trade
Work directly with dairy cattle to produce milk, manage herd health, and operate modern farm systems.
🚧 What You Do
- Feed and care for dairy cattle
- Operate milking systems and equipment
- Monitor animal health and behaviour
- Maintain barns, feeding systems, and equipment
- Track production, breeding, and herd records
🧭 Your Pathway
Option 1: Direct to Farm
Start working on a dairy farm and gain experience while registering as an apprentice.
Start working on a dairy farm and gain experience while registering as an apprentice.
Option 2: College First
Take an agriculture or farm management program, then move into an apprenticeship.
Take an agriculture or farm management program, then move into an apprenticeship.
⏱️ Training & Hours
Apprenticeship Length
Approximately 2 years
Approximately 2 years
Total Hours
~3,000 hours (on-the-job training)
~3,000 hours (on-the-job training)
In-School Training
May include short in-class or college-based training blocks
May include short in-class or college-based training blocks
Earn While You Learn
You are paid while completing your apprenticeship
You are paid while completing your apprenticeship
💰 Pay & Opportunities
- Entry-level: $18–$25/hour
- Experienced: $25–$35/hour+
- Opportunities to manage or own a farm
- Work in modern, high-tech agricultural environments
🧠 Skills You Need
- Comfort working with animals
- Attention to detail
- Physical stamina
- Problem-solving
- Mechanical awareness
❓ Questions to Ask Someone in This Trade
- What does a typical day look like on your farm?
- How early do you start your day?
- What’s the most rewarding part of the job?
- What challenges should I expect?
🎟️ Trade Tracks Passport
Talk to someone in this trade and get your stamp!