What is a Dairy Technician?
Dairy Technicians are professionals who have successfully completed the DairyPro program and obtained a Certificate of Qualification as a Dairy Production Technician 2. They collect a product for human consumption governed by very specific quality requirements and standards. They ensure site sanitation and maintain automated milking equipment and milk handling systems, including bulk storage tanks.
They work in dairy operations and are typically responsible for the overall health, safety, wellbeing, and performance of the milking herd. They oversee dairy herd improvement including herd health, feeding, and reproduction management. They may also be responsible for the milking of cows. Dairy Technicians apply their knowledge of cattle health to detect and treat health issues, including the safe and effective administration of treatment, proper recording of all activities pertaining to an animal’s health, assisting with calving and ensuring locomotion and cow comfort. Herdspersons may also be required to apply their knowledge of feeding routines, feed ration quality and consistency, and feed system/bunk management skills.
Dairy Technicians interact with herd professionals such as veterinarians and feed sales reps, as well as the farm team to ensure a profitable enterprise. They make decisions pertaining to day-to-day operations, know and apply regulatory requirements, production and management standards as well as ensuring adequate inventories. They must be able to operate and maintain mechanical aspects of the dairy farm. In addition to having a solid understanding of all aspects of a dairy operation, Dairy Technicians must have strong communication, management and interpersonal skills.
