In order to become a dairy farmer, no specific educational requirements must be met. Some people start this business after graduating from high school or even before graduating at all. Others may enroll in biology and chemistry courses, while others may choose to enroll in livestock-related courses or business training. Gaining work experience on a dairy farm is, for many, the most important preparation for becoming a dairy farmer.
Before starting out on his own, a person who wants to be a dairy farmer should spend at least some time working on one. This gives him the chance to see if he enjoys dairy farming enough to pursue it as a full-time job. It also provides hands-on experience, which provides an aspiring farmer with a unique perspective not available in a classroom. Dairy farmers are often raised on farms and are accustomed to working in this environment. This type of experience can be crucial for those who were not born into a farming family.
Although it is not required, education can assist a prospective dairy farmer in learning about running a farm, caring for livestock, and meeting production goals. A person’s education to become a dairy farmer can begin in high school, with biology and chemistry courses that will help him learn about animal anatomy, cattle health, and milk production. Some people go on to study animal science in college. Others may enroll in livestock production or business management classes to help them gain the skills they’ll need to run their own dairy farms. There are even some dairy farming courses that one can enroll in.
Unless a person inherits a dairy farm, starting a dairy farm requires a significant amount of capital. To become a dairy farmer, he’ll need land, cows, equipment, shelter, and a full range of start-up supplies. Some people may be able to get loans to help them get started. Others may try to cut costs renting a dairy farm and beginning with a small number of cows. A person might start with a purchase of about 50 cows, for example.
Dairy farming equipment can be costly, especially when combined with the costs of purchasing or renting land and cows. A person who wants to become a dairy farmer can save money purchasing used equipment rather than buying new. He could also save money sharing equipment and supplies with other farmers or arranging bulk purchases with others on a budget. He might even ask relatives to help out on the farm to keep payroll costs down, especially if he’s just starting out.