Dairy Management Program
Dairy Management Trainee Program (temporary 12 month position)
Objective:
To develop well-rounded professionals equipped with the skills, knowledge, and experience to manage and operate a dairy farm efficiently. The program focuses on understanding every aspect of the farm's operations, from day-to-day tasks to overarching management and business strategies. This program is designed to prepare the team member for a permanent role as a Junior Dairy Manager.
Program Duration:
12 months
1. Orientation and Introduction (2 Weeks)
- Overview of the dairy industry and the farm’s operations.
- Farm safety protocols and procedures.
- Introduction to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Tour of facilities and equipment.
2. Department Rotations
Milking (4 Weeks)
- Learn the milking process, equipment operation, and cleaning.
- Understand milk quality standards and compliance with health regulations.
- Analyze production data and identify trends or issues.
Breeding (4 Weeks)
- Study animal genetics, breeding cycles, and artificial insemination techniques.
- Assist in heat detection and pregnancy checks.
- Learn about breeding goals and record-keeping.
Hospital (4 Weeks)
- Shadow veterinary staff to learn about common dairy cattle illnesses and treatments.
- Assist with administering medications and monitoring animal health.
- Understand biosecurity measures and preventative care.
Maternity (4 Weeks)
- Observe and assist with calving.
- Learn about post-partum care for cows and newborn calves.
- Monitor calf health, feeding schedules, and housing.
- Learn about colostrum management.
Heifer Ranch (6 weeks)
- Track heifer growth benchmarks and evaluate herd health metrics.
- Understand the impact of early life nutrition and care on long-term productivity.
- Monitor feed efficiency and optimize feeding strategies to achieve desired growth rates.
- Manage heifer housing systems, focusing on comfort, cleanliness, and ventilation.
- Implement biosecurity measures to reduce disease risks.
- Assist with vaccination schedules and health checks.
- Understand the role of heifer management in herd replacement and farm profitability.
Feeding (4 Weeks)
- Understand ration formulation and feed mixing.
- Learn to operate feeding equipment and monitor feed efficiency.
- Study the role of nutrition in milk production and herd health.
Rolling Equipment (4 Weeks)
- Train on operating and maintaining tractors, loaders, and other farm equipment.
- Learn about equipment safety protocols.
- Gain experience with fieldwork related to feed production and manure management.
Shop Maintenance (3 Weeks)
- Understand and develop equipment maintenance schedules and monitor efficiency.
- Understand inventory management for tools and spare parts.
- Learn troubleshooting techniques for common mechanical issues.
Operation Management (Accounting & HR) (4 Weeks)
- Gain insight into budgeting, payroll, and financial reporting.
- Understand HR practices, including team member recruiting, performance evaluations, and company training.
- Learn about compliance with labor laws and regulations. (OSHA, FARM, Validus, Oregon Tilth, USDA & TDA)
Additional Components
Cross-Departmental Projects (Throughout Program)
- Complete team projects that require collaboration across departments (e.g., analyzing production efficiency or reducing feed waste).
Mentorship
- Pair each trainee with an experienced manager for guidance and feedback.
Performance Reviews
- Conduct bi-weekly check-ins to assess progress and address challenges.
- Mid-program and end-of-program evaluations to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
- QPF
Capstone Project (Final 4 Weeks)
- Develop a comprehensive plan to address a specific challenge or improve efficiency in a chosen department.
- Present findings and recommendations to the executive team.
Program Outcomes
By the end of the program, trainees will:
- Understand all operational aspects of dairy management.
- Be prepared to supervise and manage a team in any department.
- Develop problem-solving skills applicable to real-world challenges.
- Gain confidence in using data to drive decisions and improve farm profitability.