Dairy Farm Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of agriculture, the role of dairy farm managers is becoming increasingly critical.

As the demand for dairy products continues to grow, so does the need for experienced individuals who can oversee, manage, and optimize the operations of dairy farms.

But what does a dairy farm manager truly do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of dairy farm management,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a tailored dairy farm manager job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career websites.

Let’s delve into it.

Dairy Farm Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Dairy Farm Managers oversee all aspects of running a dairy farm, such as milk production, staffing, and animal health.

Their duties and responsibilities vary depending on the size and complexity of the farm, but often include:

• Overseeing the breeding and raising of dairy cows
• Managing milk production and ensuring quality standards are met
• Maintaining the health and welfare of dairy cows, including nutrition, vaccinations, and treatment of illness
• Managing farm staff, including hiring, training, and supervising employees
• Ensuring adherence to all animal welfare regulations and environmental guidelines
• Operating and maintaining farm machinery and equipment
• Keeping accurate records of milk production, animal health, and farm activities
• Implementing pest and weed control programs to maintain high-quality pastures
• Planning and managing the farm budget, including expenditures and income
• Communicating with and marketing to milk processors and other stakeholders

 

Dairy Farm Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable and experienced Dairy Farm Manager to oversee our daily farming operations, ensure the welfare of our livestock, and maintain equipment and facilities.

The Dairy Farm Manager responsibilities include managing milk production, caring for the dairy herd, and overseeing staff.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of the dairy industry, excellent problem-solving abilities, and outstanding leadership skills.

Ultimately, the Dairy Farm Manager’s role is to ensure our farm operates efficiently, maintains high production standards, and produces quality dairy products.

 

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day farming operations including milking, feeding, and caring for livestock
• Supervise dairy farm workers and provide training and guidance
• Oversee breeding and veterinary care for the herd
• Maintain and repair farm equipment and facilities
• Monitor milk production and implement strategies to optimize productivity
• Ensure compliance with government regulations and health and safety standards
• Manage budget, records, and inventory
• Coordinate the marketing and sale of dairy products
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices in dairy farming

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Dairy Farm Manager or similar role
• Knowledge of dairy farm operations, including breeding, nutrition, and milking
• Familiarity with agricultural equipment and machinery
• Good understanding of government agricultural regulations
• Ability to manage and supervise a team
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills
• Physical strength and stamina for working in a farm environment
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science, Agriculture, or a related field preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Dairy Farm Manager
• Work Environment: Farm setting with significant outdoor work. Some travel may be required for attending industry events or training sessions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Farm Owner or an Operations Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Dairy Farm Manager Do?

Dairy Farm Managers oversee the operation and productivity of dairy farms.

They work closely with staff and other agricultural professionals to ensure optimal health and productivity of dairy herds.

Their primary duties include supervising milking procedures, monitoring animal health and well-being, and maintaining milk quality.

They may also plan and manage breeding programs to ensure the herd’s reproduction and genetics.

In addition to daily operations, Dairy Farm Managers are responsible for managing farm resources, developing budgets, and maintaining records for all farm activities.

They also ensure all operations meet health and safety standards, and comply with government regulations.

They may also be involved in marketing activities, such as selling dairy products or negotiating with vendors and suppliers.

The role of a Dairy Farm Manager can be physically demanding and often requires long hours, particularly during peak farming seasons.

However, their knowledge and skills directly contribute to food production and the success of the dairy industry.

 

Dairy Farm Manager Qualifications and Skills

A Dairy Farm Manager should ideally possess a blend of technical knowledge, practical skills and a deep understanding of the dairy industry.

This includes:

• Extensive knowledge of dairy management and modern farming practices, including animal husbandry, dairy nutrition, and milk processing procedures.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills to manage employees, oversee daily operations, and ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
• Problem-solving abilities to address a wide range of challenges, such as animal health issues, machinery breakdowns, and changes in market conditions.
• Effective communication skills to liaise with farm staff, veterinarians, suppliers, and potential buyers.
• Physical stamina and resilience, as dairy farming involves long hours, manual labour, and working in varying weather conditions.
• A deep understanding of regulatory requirements in the dairy industry, ensuring the farm operates within all relevant legal parameters.
• Proficiency in using farming equipment and machinery, and the ability to perform basic maintenance tasks as required.
• Financial management skills to oversee the farm’s budget, manage costs, and analyze the profitability of various activities.
• Animal welfare awareness, with the ability to maintain high standards of animal health and wellbeing.

 

Dairy Farm Manager Experience Requirements

Aspiring Dairy Farm Managers typically require a minimum of 2 to 3 years of experience working on a dairy farm.

This experience can be gained through full-time roles, part-time work, or internships in relevant roles such as Dairy Farmhand, Herdsman, or Farm Equipment Operator.

Experience in managing livestock, knowledge of dairy science, and a comprehensive understanding of farm operations are critical for success in this role.

Familiarity with milking procedures, herd health, and dairy nutrition is also essential.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience in dairy farming often possess advanced skills in herd management, milk quality control, and farm equipment management.

These individuals are expected to have practical experience in troubleshooting farm equipment and managing farm staff.

Those with over 7 years of experience typically have strong leadership skills, demonstrating competency in overseeing the operations of a large dairy farm, including financial management, staff management, and strategic planning.

Prior experience in administrative or managerial roles in a farming environment would be an advantage for these candidates.

In addition, a strong understanding of the local and national dairy market, as well as compliance with agricultural laws and regulations, would be highly beneficial for Dairy Farm Managers with significant experience.

 

Dairy Farm Manager Education and Training Requirements

Dairy Farm Managers typically require a high school diploma or equivalent at a minimum.

However, many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in dairy science, animal science, agriculture, or a related field.

In these degree programs, students learn about animal nutrition, animal diseases, and farm management principles, which are all critical skills for a Dairy Farm Manager.

Classes may also cover subjects such as animal breeding, milk production, and waste management.

Beyond formal education, Dairy Farm Managers need extensive experience in dairy farming.

This experience can be obtained through farm work, internships, or through a cooperative extension program.

In addition to experience, certification can provide Dairy Farm Managers with a competitive edge.

Certifications such as the Certified Dairy Manager (CDM) or the Dairy Herd Management Diploma can demonstrate a candidate’s professional competency and commitment to quality dairy farming.

Ongoing training is essential for Dairy Farm Managers due to the constant advancements in farming technology and animal welfare practices.

This can be achieved through workshops, seminars, industry conferences, or further education.

Furthermore, Dairy Farm Managers need to have a good understanding of business principles, as they are often responsible for budgeting, marketing, and staff management.

They also need to be familiar with agricultural laws and regulations.

 

Dairy Farm Manager Salary Expectations

A Dairy Farm Manager earns an average salary of $69,620 (USD) per year.

The actual income can fluctuate depending on factors like the size of the farm, level of experience, the region in which the farm is located, and the success of the dairy business.

 

Dairy Farm Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Dairy Farm Manager need?

Dairy Farm Managers require a mix of hard and soft skills.

They should have a deep understanding of dairy science and animal husbandry, including knowledge of diseases that may impact dairy animals.

They should also have strong management and leadership skills to coordinate farm staff and operations.

Other key skills include problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot issues, proficiency with farm machinery, and financial acumen for budgeting and cost control.

 

Do Dairy Farm Managers need a degree?

A degree is not always necessary, but many Dairy Farm Managers possess a degree in agriculture, animal science, or a related field.

However, practical experience in dairy farming can be equally or more important.

Some Dairy Farm Managers may have grown up on farms and acquired hands-on experience from an early age, which is extremely valuable in this role.

 

What should you look for in a Dairy Farm Manager resume?

When reviewing a Dairy Farm Manager’s resume, look for experience in managing a dairy farm and knowledge of animal care and dairy production.

Any additional qualifications in agriculture or animal science would be beneficial.

Skills such as leadership, decision-making, problem-solving, and budgeting are essential for this role.

Any specific experience in improving dairy quality, increasing farm efficiency, or managing large teams would also stand out.

 

What qualities make a good Dairy Farm Manager?

A good Dairy Farm Manager has a passion for dairy farming and is dedicated to animal welfare.

They are hands-on leaders, capable of providing guidance and support to their team.

They are problem solvers, able to react quickly and effectively to any issues that arise.

They also have a keen eye for detail, which allows them to identify areas for improvement in the dairy production process.

 

Is it challenging to hire Dairy Farm Managers?

Finding experienced and qualified Dairy Farm Managers can be a challenge due to the specific skill set and experience required for the role.

It’s essential to provide an appealing work environment, competitive compensation, and opportunities for growth and development to attract top candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve dug into what it truly means to be a dairy farm manager.

Surprised?

It’s not just about tending to cows.

It’s about shaping the future of agriculture, one day at a time.

With our handy dairy farm manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for crafting precision-targeted listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every day on the farm is a part of the bigger journey.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Dairy Farm Manager (Complete Guide)

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