Dairy Farm Manager
Agriculture & Farming
Manage the selection and care of dairy animals and associated dairy farm and processing facilities and operations.
What Dairy Farm Managers Do
Manage the selection and care of dairy animals and associated dairy farm and processing facilities and operations.
Common Tasks
Farm and Home Management Educators
- 1Advise farmers and demonstrate techniques in areas such as feeding and health maintenance of livestock, growing and harvesting practices, and financial planning.
- 2Conduct classes or deliver lectures on subjects such as nutrition, home management, and farming techniques.
- 3Collaborate with producers to diagnose and prevent management and production problems.
- 4Research information requested by farmers.
- 5Collect and evaluate data to determine community program needs.
What You'll Learn
Types of Dairy Farm Managers
Work Environment
Locations
- • Dairy farms and milking parlors
- • Calf and heifer rearing facilities
- • Feed storage and mixing areas
- • On-farm processing and packaging rooms
- • Agricultural extension offices and field sites
Schedule
Work is often early mornings, weekends, and holidays, with hours shifting based on weather, calving cycles, and production needs.
Physical Demands
The job mixes office work with hands-on time in barns and around equipment, requiring regular standing, walking, and handling tools or supplies. You may need to bend, lift, and work in heat, cold, odors, and noisy environments while following strict sanitation and safety rules.
Salary & Job Outlook
National Employment: 913,900 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
Demand may increase as farms adopt more technology and data-driven herd management, creating need for skilled managers who can improve productivity and animal health. Ongoing consumer demand for dairy products and stricter food-safety expectations can also raise the value of trained operators.
Skills You'll Need
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Leadership role with real operational responsibility
- • Work outdoors and with animals
- • Strong pay potential in larger operations
- • Skills transfer across many agricultural businesses
- • Opportunity to improve animal welfare and farm efficiency
Cons
- • Long hours and limited time off during peak periods
- • Exposure to weather, odors, and biosecurity risks
- • Physical work and risk of injury around animals and machinery
- • Income and job stability can depend on commodity prices
- • High responsibility for compliance, safety, and animal health outcomes
Common Questions About the Dairy Farm Manager Trade
Ready to Get Started?
Not Sure This Trade is Right?
Take our free career quiz to discover trades that match your interests and skills.
Take the Career Quiz