Careers in the Dairy Industry

1. Careers in the Dairy Industry

2. On-Farm Careers With so many different areas that need to be managed on a dairy farm, many producers hire individuals to help oversee different aspects of a dairy operation. *Dairy farms directly employee about 138,000 people nationwide.*

3. Dairy Producer Jeff Balmer • Stoney Path Farms • Lititz, PA - Lancaster County • Jeff farms 110 acres of land and milks 120 cows alongside his wife Jesslyn. • They pride themselves on environmental stewardship and technological innovation. A Dairy producer’s role is to manage the dairy farm as a whole. To be successful they must oversee the production of high quality milk, great care of both the animals and land, and keep their financials in order.

4. Dairy Producer • Education Requirements: • Although a college education is not required, a degree in dairy, animal science or another agriculture field will be extremely beneficial. Previous dairy experience is crucial. • Tasks include: • Creating a business plan for the farm • Monitoring and accessing income and debt • Hiring the right employees to assist with farm responsibilities. • Performing everyday tasks on the farm (milking, feeding, monitoring herd health) • Ensuring all environmental regulations are being followed and met • Ensuring excellent herd health and animal welfare • “The best part of my job is seeing the life cycles that take place on a farm. This is evidenced in the family working together to accomplish the necessary chores on the farm, the crops developing from seed to full grown, and seeing the next generation of cows enter the herd.” - Jeff Balmer

5. Herdsperson Tanya Baldwin • Meadow Vista Farm • Bainbridge, PA - Lancaster County • Tanya oversees a herd of 750 cows in addition to many young stock. • She works with the owners of the farm on making decisions that are best for the herd. • A Herdsperson is responsible for making decisions regarding the entire dairy herd and caring for animals in order to produce the highest quality & quantity of milk while maintaining excellent animal welfare.

6. Herdsperson • Education Requirements: • Although no formal education is required, a degree in Dairy Science, Animal Science or another agricultural field is beneficial. Extensive on-farm experience is also needed to move successfully into position. • Tasks include: • Recording herd activities through record keeping software (production, health, reproduction) • Developing standard operating procedures and protocols for the farm and herd • Setting and following vaccination schedules • Assists in heat detection, body scoring, caring for the special needs cows, and evaluation of foot health. • “The best part of my job is being involved in an industry that I care deeply about and being part of a great team at Meadow Vista Farm who share the same commitment to high standards of cow care and quality production of milk, in addition to the same priority for faith and family.” • - Tanya Baldwin

7. Calf Manager Scott Heimbach Reinford FarmsMifflintown, Pa – Junita County • Scott cares for 120 calves that are ages 0 – 3 months. He works with the farm’s nutritionist to provide the calves with the best diet possible and ensures that they receive quality milk, housing, and feed. A Calf Manager’s role is to oversee the farms’ young stock to ensure that they are growing properly and are healthy. To be successful, this individual should work closely with the farms’ herdsperson.

8. Calf-Heifer Manager Education Requirements: Although no formal education is required, a degree in dairy science is beneficial. Extensive on-farm experience with young stock is also necessary to be successful. Tasks include: • Carrying out all daily feedings of young calves • Measuring and recording individual animal sizes and weights through record keeping software • Vaccinating all calves and heifers in the herd • Monitoring herd health and welfare

9. Parlor Manager Justin Risser • Meadow-Vista Dairy, LLCBainbridge, PA - Lancaster County • Justin ensures that his family’s milking herd of 650 are all milked properly and that all milking personnel follow procedures that are clean and sanitary. • A Parlor Manager is in charge of the milking parlor on the farm. They provide a relaxing environment for the cows, monitor milk quality and maintain milking equipment.

10. Parlor Manager • Education Requirements: • Although no formal education is required, an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree focused in dairy would provide a foundational education. Training on best management practices, milk quality and trouble shooting are a essential. • Tasks include: • Schedule milking • Manage staff • Schedule milk pick ups • Maintain milk tanks, air compressors, milk cooling system, wash CIP system and milk pumps • Schedule shipment of supplies, cleaners, parts and specialized service calls • “The best part of my job is maintaining a continuous supply of high quality milk from year to year, receiving compliments from truck drivers, processors and co-op personnel and seeing employees grow in their job and advance in responsibility to better serve the farm and better position the farm for the future.” – Justin Risser

11. Crop Specialist Eric Risser • Meadow-Vista Dairy, LLC • Bainbridge, PA - Lancaster County • Eric manages about 650 acres on the farm where they grow corn, rye, and alfalfa. • His main responsibility is keeping the farm’s CAFO permit and nutrient management plans up to date and implemented while overseeing crop fields. Additionally, he assists with machinery maintenance and operation. The Crop Specialist on a farm manages all the farmland. This means overseeing the planting and harvesting of crops, ensuring good soil quality and obeying any environmental regulations.

12. Crop Specialist • Education Requirements: While a formal education is not required, a degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, or Crop Science is beneficial. This would assist in the understanding of crop yields, forage crops, soil erosion, pesticide usage, and fertilizer application. • Tasks include: • Routinely testing soil quality • Working with farm owner/herdsperson to determine what crops are needed for feed rations • Deciding what brand of crops are planted and where • Overseeing CAFO and Nutrient Management Plans • Ensuring that environmental regulations are followed • Overseeing application of fertilizer and pesticides • “I love the challenge of growing good feed for the cows. I love being outside and the fact that my jobs changes from season to season. No two days are the same.” – Eric Risser

13. Off-Farm Careers Dairy farms utilize the services of many outside resources that are a vital part of the success of their farm. *Approximately 900,000 people are employed in some sector of the dairy industry.*

14. Ag Communications JournalistCharlene ShuppEspenshade • Lancaster Farming • Special Sections Editor An Agricultural Journalist is responsible for reporting on agricultural events and writing feature stories about industry ‘hot’ topics. They must do extensive research to ensure the information they report is correct and then deliver it in an unbiased manner.

15. Ag Communications - Journalist • Education Requirement: • A Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or journalism is necessary. Previous experience with dairy or agriculture is helpful. • Tasks include: • Writing agriculture articles and special pieces to be featured in various media outlets • Researching the accuracy of information and facts that are used in news pieces • Conducting interviews with high ranking individuals • Attending various meetings, conventions, and industry activities • “The best part of my job is getting paid to attend industry events and write feature stories. I love visiting with farmers and people who enjoy reading about on farm happenings.” • - Charlene Shupp-Espenshade

16. Ag Communications • Communications Specialist • Amber Sheridan • Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association A Communications Specialistdirects, manages, develops and oversees corporate communications and education programs and works in all aspects of public relations.

17. Ag Communications – Comm. Specialist • Education Requirement: • A Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or journalism is required. A Master’s degree assists in moving up within communication firms at a quicker rate. • Tasks include:meetings and programs. • Creating and managing member publications (newsletters, magazines) • Developing and creating presentations and speeches for membership meetings • Directing the development and maintenance of corporate websites • Managing and overseeing Social Media accounts • “The best part of my job is working with and for dairy farmers and an industry that I am very passionate about, knowing that I am working to improve their livelihoods and the industry for future generations.” - Amber Sheridan

18. Ag Economics Ag Economist James Dunn • Professor of Agricultural Economics with a Dairy Emphasis at Penn State • A Dairy Economist collects and analyzes dairy pricing data. They use this information to predict future trends, margins, and prices and how the data may impact the dairy industry.

19. Ag Economics - Dairy Economist • Education Requirements: • A four year college degree in an agricultural and economics field. Strong analytical and mathematical skills are necessary. As a professor of Ag Economics a Ph.D. is also needed. • Tasks include: • Analyze information • Communicate with others about industry trends • Create graphs, tables, and text that explain market trends • Research current market events in dairy and the global economy • “The best part of the job is working with students, farmers, extension educators, professors, and agribusiness people. I enjoy discussing economic issues with individuals in the hopes that we are learning from one another.” • - James Dunn

20. Ag Education Agriculture Teacher Darla Romberger Cumberland Valley High School Mechanicsburg, PA • An Agricultural Educator teaches high school students about agriculture through a combination of classroom instruction, experimental learning and leadership experiences.

21. Ag Education - Agriculture Teacher • Education Requirements: • Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Education, state teaching certifications and familiarity with the agriculture education program. • Tasks include: • Creating and executing engaging agriculture curriculum • Serving as an adviser to the FFA programs • Assisting students with Supervised Agriculture Experience programs • "The best part of my job is the variety of each day. A day can go from teaching small gas engines to running electrophoresis gels to training a judging team. As an Ag Teacher, I get to create unique opportunities through FFA and SAEs outside of the classroom to help students learn and grow as future leaders for the agriculture industry. I never have the same day twice which makes each day a new challenge.” • - Darla Romberger

22. Ag Education • Extension Agent • Penn State Cooperative Extension • A dairy herd health extension educator specializes in animal health, primarily mastitis and milk quality. These individuals serve as the link to bring University research to the industry.

23. Ag Education - Extension Educator • Education Requirements: • Minimum of Master’s degree in extension education or related field. PhD’s are also common. Previous experience within agriculture is helpful. • Tasks include: • Attending and presenting at various meetings • Spending time on-farms working with producers • Observing milking procedures and cleaning processes • Administering continuing education programs for producers

24. Ag Finance Accountant,Chad Fox • Acuity Advisors and CPAs • Lancaster County • An accountantadvises the dairy producer when making business decisions by providing sound financial statements and information. They also make sure that all farm financial records are accurate and that taxes are paid properly and on time. Accountants also assist in performing overviews of the financial side of the business in order to help it run efficiently.

25. Ag Finance - Accountant • Education Requirements: • A bachelor’s degree and 150 credit hours is required to be licensed as a CPA in Pennsylvania. • Tasks include: • Preparing financial statements for farm use • Preparing tax returns and assisting with tax planning • Planning financing and real estate transactions • Assisting with succession planning • “We assist our dairy clients through the entire lifecycle of their business from start-up to growth to succession or sale of their business. The most fulfilling aspect of my role is to provide the financial tools and feedback that allow dairy families to thrive and create sustainable dairy operations.” – Chad Fox

26. Ag Finance LenderDale Hershey • National Penn Bank, Ag. Lending Department • Lancaster County • An Ag Lender analyzes a producers’ financial information, creates business projections and determines how to manage a farm’s debt in an effort to help the farm achieve their business and financial goals.

27. Ag Finance - Lender • Education Requirements: • ABachelor’s Degree in Business, Banking or Accounting. Background knowledge and experience is also looked at. • Tasks include: • Providing loans to farmers and agri-businesses • Developing loan applications and presenting them • Meeting with clients to evaluate their credit, collateral, capacity, and conditions • Managing the portfolio of business on a daily basis such as monitoring payments, overdrafts, income and other changes taking place • “The best part of my job is seeing my customers be successful. Making their dreams become reality. That includes a long term relationship that might involve a transition into the next generation.”- Dale Hershey

28. Ag Law Lawyer Gary J. Heim • Persun & Heim, P.C. • Cumberland County An Ag Lawyer provides legal advice and services to producers to help them minimize taxes, assist with farm transitions, settle legal disputes and form farm businesses.

29. Ag Law - Lawyer • Education Requirements: • Bachelor’s Degree and a Jurist Doctorate degree from a law school. • Tasks include: • Reviewing and interrupting legal documents for farmers • Assisting with client’s legal issues • Attending court hearings on behalf of clients • Meeting with clients to explain legal contracts • Drafting legal documents such as wills, leases & partnership agreements • Presentation of information at meetings for farmers designed to educate them on succession planning • “The best part of the job is successfully transferring a farm business and its assets from a farmer to his children or others, who continue the farm business.” - Gary Heim

30. Ag Law • LobbyistAlan Novak • Novak Strategic Advisors • Dauphin County • A lobbyist, or a government affairs consultant, meets with elected officials from all levels of government to educate them on dairy and weigh in on state budget and agriculture issues. A lobbyist is part advocate, part educator and part facilitator.

31. Ag Law - Lobbyist • Education Requirements: • While Alan is a lawyer by training, experience and a sound knowledge of how the government works, both formally and informally, is most helpful as a lobbyist. Previous relationships with elected officials and government agencies is almost essential. • Tasks include: • Advising and commenting on proposed laws • Testifying at hearings and preparing position papers • Educating lawmakers on dairy operations and market conditions • Arranging on-farm visits, forums and roundtable discussions • Meeting with lawmakers and arranging meetings of industry representatives and farmers with lawmakers • “I enjoy the interaction with lawmakers and having an impact on policy. I love strategy and strategic thinking, and being a government affairs consultant has given me the opportunity to do that.” • - Alan Novak

32. Ag Processing • Plant Manager • Miles Zehring • Harrisburg DairiesHarrisburg, PA The plant manager’s role is to manage the production of dairy products that are cost effective, meet human health safety standards, and desired by consumers.

33. Ag Processing – Plant Manager • Education Requirements: • A Bachelors degree with a minimum of 2 years of previous management experience is necessary. A degree in Food Science with experience in manufacturing dairy products, and in management is preferred. • Tasks include: • Supervising production employees • Implementing and maintaining a safe work environment • Seeking ways to eliminate waste and decrease production costs

34. Ag Sales Pharmaceutical RepresentativeVictoria Baker • Pfizer Animal Health • Senior Territory Manager The Pharmaceutical Representative’s role is to improve health and wellness of animals by educating vets and producers about products and programs using a problem solving approach.

35. Ag Sales - Pharmaceutical Rep • Education Requirements: • A Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business, or a related field, is needed for entry level positions. Previous experience in sales and knowledge of agriculture is also useful when seeking promotions. • Tasks include: • Engaging in conversations with farmers to determine products that will assist in achieving farm goals or plans • Marketing business products through on-farm calls, trade shows, word of mouth • Attending and planning meetings with farmers and fellow representatives • Managing finances from the sale of products • “The best part of my job is the ability to work with great people in a great industry.  I am on different farms every week and learn something from each of my customers.  Every farm is different and presents a different challenge.  Working with the farm and vet to put together the best solutions is both challenging and rewarding.”  - Vicky Baker

36. Ag Service Lab Technician Janice Bowermaster • Lancaster DHIA • Lancaster County A Lab Technician conducts tests for coliforms, standard plate counts and SCC. They also work with milk handlers, run DNA tests for mastitis, and provide the testing for raw milk permits issued by the state.

37. Ag Service - Lab Technician • Education Requirement: • A high school diploma is required, however, an Associates or Bachelors degree in Chemistry, Dairy Science, or related field is useful. Practical training is provided upon employment. • Tasks include: • Plating and testing milk samples • Picking up milk samples at farms and processing plants • Producing reports for cooperatives and dairy producers • Working closely with state inspectors and producers to lower and maintain counts • “The best part of the job is being able to see the product from farm to table, meeting the producers and making sure quality products are produced.” - Janice Bowermaster

38. Ag Service Technical Service SpecialistBrittniTreichler • Land O’ Lakes • Lancaster, Lebanon and Dauphin County • A Technical Service Specialist is the link between cooperative and member-owner. They provide insight and guidance on regulatory compliance, specialize in shooting milk quality and production issues and are involved in the improvement of members' operations.

39. Ag Service - Technical Service Specialist • Education Requirements: • A high school diploma is required, however, an Associates or Bachelors degree in Chemistry, Dairy Science, or related field is useful. Practical training is provided upon employment. • Tasks include:er to troubleshoot milk quality issues • Performing regulatory inspections of member operations on a routine basis • Evaluating milking procedures, CIP systems and farm protocols when necessary • Engaging with co-op members and introduce them to new products and services • “The best part of my job is building working partnerships with dairy men and women and helping them to achieve their goals.” – BrittniTreichler

40. Animal Care Hoof Trimmer Jim Zimmerman • Zimmerman’s Hoof Trimming • Berks, Chester, Lancaster & Lebanon Counties • The purpose of a Hoof Trimmer is to reduce lameness, which increases milk production, add to overall longevity of the cow, improve reproduction and create a positive public image.

41. Animal Care -Hoof Trimmer • Education Requirements: • A degree is not necessary, but it is best to study locomotion scoring and gain hands-on experience by doing an apprenticeship. Attending training seminars and conferences is beneficial. • Tasks include: • Recording individual animal foot health problems or issues • Providing special care to hoof cracks, heel warts, or ulcers • Daily use of trimming chute, hoof grinding wheel, and held-held equipment • “The best part of the job is working with cows, the dairy farm and being part of a team. I enjoy seeing new clients’ foot problems decrease and building long term relationships with clients, which allows me to see their herds grow and improve.” - Jim Zimmerman

42. Animal Health • NutritionistTom Naumann • Hoober Feeds • Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland • A Nutritionist provides nutritional expertise and products to dairy farmers, enabling them to maintain and improve the production and health of their cows in a sustainable and resourceful way, thus ensuring the farm remains a vital operation.

43. Animal Health - Nutritionist • Education Requirement: • Applicants must have a desire and time commitment to continual learning in nutrition. A bachelor’s degree in dairy field and on-farm experience would be helpful. • Tasks include: • Analyzing feedstuffs and incorporating them into a dairy ration • Following commodity markets to find best buys on feed ingredients • Keep up with the latest research information related to dairy nutrition and determine if they should be incorporated into dairy rations. • “The best part of my job is working directly with dairy farmers on a daily basis.” • - Tom Naumann

44. Animal Health VeterinarianDr. Brian Reed • Ag Veterinary Associates • Berks, Dauphin, Lebanon and Lancaster County • Veterinarians maintain the health and well-being of individual animals by providing specialized care when needed, while working with their clients to maintain their herd’s health and maximize their productivity.

45. Animal Health - Veterinarian • Education Requirements: • A four year pre-vet program, or degree in Animal Science, followed by a four year professional degree program is required. Then one must obtain a license in the state(s) they wish to practice. • Tasks include: • Providing individual animal exams and developing specialized individual treatments • Performing surgical procedures when necessary • Conducting reproductive health and pregnancy checks • Provide health advice and guidance to farms • “The best part of my job is getting the chance to work with some great clients. As a veterinarian, you get to know your clients' families well, spend time with them in good times and bad, and get the opportunity to really help them to make their dairy farm a better place for them and their animals.” - Brian Reed

46. Animal Reproduction • A.I. Representative • Johnathon Sanders • Breeding Program SpecialistGenex Cooperative / CRI An A.I. Representative serves as an artificial technician, customer service representative and sales person for the A.I. company. They help producers improve their farms’ genetics and milk production by advising which bulls to use as sires for their herd.

47. Animal Repro. - A.I. Representative • Education Requirements: • Must be a high school graduate, but an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science, Animal Science, or a related field is very beneficial in understanding concepts of reproduction, physiology and business. • Tasks include: • Perform artificial insemination of dairy cattle • Keeping accurate records of breeding dates and information for farms • Consulting with herdsperson or producer about the selection of herd sires • Marketing and selling sire semen that meets the needs of dairy herd • “The best part of my job is the ability to have an open schedule and build close relationships with my customers. My success is a direct correlation with theirs.” - John Sanders

48. Animal Reproduction Genetic AnalystMichelle Cornman • Select Sire Power, Inc • Central and South Pennsylvania A Genetic Analyst is in charge of the Select Mating Service (SMS) which helps producers make informed decisions about breeding their cows to make genetic progress.

49. Animal Repro. - Genetic Analyst • Education Requirement: • A Bachelors degree in Dairy Science, Animal Science, Genetics, or related field is required. Extensive research and experience with genetics an dairy cattle is extremely beneficial. • Tasks include: • Obtaining and collection of DNA samples • Scheduling and consolidating pictures of young sire daughters to market sires with • Visiting herds to meet with producers to evaluate their cattle and select sires that help achieve the farm’s goals • Evaluating records to help further advance herd genetics • “I enjoy working with producers and seeing the results of our efforts.” - Michelle Cornman

50. Crop Production Crop ConsultantJon Stutzman • Stutzman Crop Care, Inc. • Berks County A Crop Consultant provides independent advice for customers to help them make informed decisions about the aspects of their operation that pertain to crop production and nutrient management.