Is becoming a dairy farmer right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
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How to become a Dairy Farmer
To be a dairy farmer, one must be willing to work long hours outside. The work day typically begins before the sun rises and ends in the evening. The work is labor intensive and can be very difficult to do during the extreme winter months. Given the nature of this job, a farmer has to be physically healthy to complete the required daily chores.
Farmers have to be able to multi-task as well as find quick solutions to problems. Issues that need frequent attention range from cattle health problems, machinery breakdowns and attention to the business end of things. Having a business background and a knowledge of business operations is very helpful. Since the ultimate goal is to make a profit, knowing how to properly account for expenses and revenues can be an advantage.
There is no formal education required to become a dairy farmer. Most farms are family businesses that have been passed down from one generation to the next. Nonetheless, universities and colleges offer dairy science and agriculture programs for students. These programs provide training on the various aspects of the dairy business.