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Career Pathways

Are you ready to turn your dairy job into a rewarding career?

Growing your skills

Experience on a dairy farm can open doors to a rewarding career, with skills that take you far, whether you stay in dairy or branch into other industries. Know this: The opportunities are as diverse as the work itself!

With on-the-job training, career growth, and the chance to earn more, dairy farming opens doors to all kinds of work. Plus, you get to connect with industry peers through the Young Dairy Network and farmer discussion groups.

What kind of skills do you need to start your career as a dairy farmer?

Dairy farms are an essential service, producing quality food for the world.

Right now, there are casual, part-time, and full-time jobs available (and chances are, you already have the skills we need!).

Whether technical or general, skills from past roles can be easily adapted to dairy farming. These transferable skills, both hard and soft, apply across industries and make it easier to step into a rewarding role on a farm.

Examples of transferable skills include:

Hard skills

  • working with livestock
  • pasture management
  • vehicle or machinery maintenance
  • computer software
  • soft Skills
  • problem solving
  • teamwork
  • flexibility.

Soft skills

  • working in a team and following instructions
  • working outside in a rural environment
  • working to routines
  • working with and caring for animals
  • working with machinery
  • working physically and intellectually.

Join Steph’s journey into dairy farming, straight from the Subtropical region.

“My career progressed in the industry just by getting in and doing the work. I have learnt so much along the way from taking advantage of the opportunities that have been offered to me. I have also attended a lot of the Dairy Australia run courses and field days that are always full of information.”
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Professional development and networking opportunities

Young Dairy Network 

The Young Dairy Network connects over 2,500 young professionals in the dairy industry, offering training, farm walks, social events, workshops, leadership programs, and industry connections. It’s all about local support and national collaboration, because sharing ideas and staying connected is how we all grow.

TAFE courses

Dairy Australia works with TAFEs and other registered training providers to develop courses for those interested in furthering a career in dairy, or to build skills for people working on farms. Courses cover everything from milking processes and mastitis prevention to pasture management and farm business management.

Endless opportunities await! Hear from farmers about the many benefits.