1. Dairy Producer Agricultural Careers
By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Trisha Stephens
Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office
Georgia Department of Education
June 2005
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2. What does a Dairy Producer do?
Ration preparation
Raising of replacement heifers
Milking
Upkeep of equipment
Pasture management
Herd management
Record keeping
Daily maintenance of milking stalls
Maintaining a good relationship with consumers

3. What kind of qualities and skills are needed?
Good physical condition
Ability to move from barn to barn with ease
Ability to with stand the weather and climate conditions
Ability to handle and maneuver herd and equipment
Heavy lifting and moving is required
Must have complete knowledge of herd health procedures
Background knowledge of production
Must be clean and organized
Responsible and patient
Work a wide variety of machines
Computer and record keeping skills

4. What is my salary?
Full-time, salaried farm producers had median annual earnings of $43,740 in The middle half earned between $32,620 and $59,330. The highest paid 10 percent earned more than $81,100 and the lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $24,410.

5. What are the conditions of the work environment?
Most work is done outdoors
Physical labor is required
May work over 40 hours a week
Some indoor work on computers is necessary

6. How can I become a Dairy Producer?
Obtain employment, an internship, or volunteer on a beef farm nearby
In high school, take classes in biology, animal science, livestock production, math and sciences
Attend a technical college or a university for a degree in Dairy Production, Agriculture, Agriculture Technology or Business Management

7. Professional Organizations
International Dairy Foods Association
1250 H Street, NW, Suite 900
Washington, DC 20005
Internet:
International Dairy Deli Bakery Association
313 Price Place, Suite 202
PO Box 5528
Madison, WI 
Internet:
National Dairy Herd Improvement Association
Suite # E. Dublin Granville Rd. Columbus, OH 43231
Internet: