There is work all year round on dairy farms in milking sheds. You will be trained in how to perform milking duties, which includes milking (putting cups on and off dairy cows), observing health of animals and ensuring that quality standards are followed.
In March to April and September to October you might help assist in raising calves, and in September to November work is available during hay and silage season.
In South Australia, dairy farm work is available in the Limestone Coast, Fleurieu Peninsula, Murray River Lakes & Coorong, and Barossa regions.
What to expect
You’ll need to:
- be able to follow instructions
- be comfortable working with cattle
- be observant and have excellent attention to detail
- operate a variety of farm machinery
- work flexible hours including split, early morning and afternoon shifts
- be physically fit
- feed cows and calves.
Skills needed
You'll need:
- to quickly and confidently learn to operate equipment in dairy milking sheds
- knowledge of or experience in animal husbandry and animal health and welfare
- a high level of personal and work responsibility
- good time-management and communication skills
- to be confident in operating a variety of farm vehicles and equipment
- awareness of farm safety.
How you’ll make a difference
The South Australian Dairy industry produces 5.6 % of Australia’s milk production. By milking cows, you will help support the growth of this industry, work with passionate farmers and be a part of a supply chain that produces and exports some of the best dairy products in the world. You will also get to spend time caring for perhaps the cutest of the baby animals – the newborn calf.
Did you know:
- South Australia produces approximately 500 Million litres of milk each year.
- 1500 people are employed in the dairy industry.
- There are 206 dairy farms located across South Australia.
- There are 69,000 dairy cattle in South Australia.
