Dairy Production Manager
Agriculture & Farming
A program that focuses on the application of biological and chemical principles to the production and management of dairy animals and the production and handling of dairy products.
What Dairy Production Managers Do
A program that focuses on the application of biological and chemical principles to the production and management of dairy animals and the production and handling of dairy products.
Common Tasks
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
- 1Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- 2Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
- 3Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
- 4Supervise laboratory sessions and field work and coordinate laboratory operations.
- 5Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
What You'll Learn
Types of Dairy Production Managers
Work Environment
Locations
- • Dairy farms and ranches
- • Milk processing plants and creameries
- • Animal nutrition and feed companies
- • University research labs and experiment stations
- • Agricultural extension offices and field sites
Schedule
Schedules often start early and can include weekends or seasonal peaks, with hours shifting based on weather, animal needs, and production deadlines.
Physical Demands
Work commonly mixes office tasks with time in barns, milking parlors, and labs, requiring standing, walking, and frequent handling of equipment or animals. Some roles involve moderate lifting, repetitive tasks, and working around odors, noise, and biosecurity protocols.
Salary & Job Outlook
National Employment: 946,000 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
Demand can rise as dairy producers adopt data-driven feeding, breeding, and milk-quality practices that require skilled management and technical know-how. Ongoing needs for food safety, animal health, and productivity improvements also support roles in research, extension, and operations.
Skills You'll Need
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Work that combines science with hands-on animal and food production
- • Strong career variety across farms, labs, processing, and education
- • Opportunities to improve animal welfare and food safety
- • Clear pathways into leadership and operations management
- • Skills are transferable across many agricultural sectors
Cons
- • Early mornings, weekend work, and schedule changes are common
- • Exposure to weather, odors, and farm/lab safety hazards
- • Industry consolidation can limit advancement in some regions
- • Work can be physically tiring during busy seasons
- • Regulatory and biosecurity requirements can be demanding
Common Questions About the Dairy Production Manager Trade
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