Dairy Herd Management

31-091-1 Technical Diploma (one-year)
Campus: Rice Lake

Catalog Page (pdf )

Progressive. Competitive. Agricultural Technology.

The Dairy Herd Management program will prepare you with practical experience and theory applications to meet the demands of operating a profitable and progressive dairy farm. Proper management skills, herdsperson traits, and continued use of new technologies are keys in being competitive in today's markets.

Special Features

This program is designed for the learner to gain first-hand experience through internships. This will incorporate actual work experience in such areas as a dairy herdsperson, milking, feeding, calf care, general farm duties, scheduling, and employer/employee communications.

Practical. Skilled. Decision Maker.

In this program, you will gain first-hand experience in internship settings, learn dairy herd skills and general farm duties, along with the business side and employer/employee communications to ensure your success. You should be self-motivated, enjoy working with animals and farming equipment, and also be an effective communicator who can manage people and tasks.

As you prepare for your career, you should strive to reach a comfort level in the following courses or skills:

Communication skills
Basic problem-solving skills
Basic computer skills
General business concepts
Applied math

Find out what the Dairy Herd Management program can help you do in the Career Impact article Back on the farm.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, you will be able to:

Obtain actual on-farm experiences for your successful career path
Obtain herdsperson skills necessary for operating a profitable dairy herd
Gain experience in interpersonal skills of management
Work with agriculture professionals in a farm environment
Perform the necessary duties of herd manager including milking, feeding, and handling of cattle; care of young stock and calves; herd health; and special cow needs

Program Costs

The estimated total program cost for the one-year Dairy Herd Management program is approximately $4,150. This program is eligible for financial aid. View more information on program and costs.

Agriculture