Is becoming a dairy herdsperson right for me?
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How to become a Dairy Herdsperson
At a minimum, a dairy herdsperson must have a high school diploma with credits in math and science. A dairy herdsperson is not required to complete a Certificate of Apprenticeship, though it greatly increases their wages and opportunities. Some schools offer agricultural programs that specialize in herdsmanship, where students can learn about workplace health and safety, milking theories and techniques, feeding techniques, equipment maintenance, and breeding. The length of the program varies according to the state or province. A dairy herdsperson without experience will usually begin as a farm hand, gaining experience working with an experienced herdsman and helping with the management of dairy cows.
The majority of jobs are in rural areas where there is more land for grazing cows. Because the job is typically seven days a week, the owner of the farm usually provides housing at no cost for the hired dairy herdsperson.