A career in the dairy

industry is unlimited
Information in this booklet has been supplied by young people in Australia
and The People in Dairy team: Pauline Brightling, Karen Baum, Fiona Conroy,
Chris Hibburt, Ruth Nettle, Ben Reeve and Andrea Thompson.
Thank you to the people who provided case studies:
Paul Roderick
Dean Fleming
Warwick & Karen Baum
The inspiration for this booklet was supplied by the
New Zealand dairy industry
Copyright 2008
The copyright in this program is owned by Dairy Australia
Disclaimer
This program is designed to be used for general information only and
is not intended to take the place of professional legal advice on specic
issues. Users should not take any action on specic problems in reliance
upon any manner, data, information or recommendation contained in this
package in lieu of obtaining legal advice in respect of that problem. It is
intended as a guide only and no responsibility or liability will be accepted
by Dairy Australia in respect of any claim, damage, loss or action arising
out of the contents of this program or its use.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
1
ConTENTS
2 The dairy industry

3 is farming for me?
3 Do I want to get into farming?
3 Here are some points that need to be considered
4 what will i do?
4 What are the opportunities in dairy farming?
6 career insight
8 Starting out
8 What are employers looking for?
8 How do I nd a farming job?
8 Writing a covering letter
8 Putting together a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
10 Referees
10 Tips to help you get the job you want
10 Questions to ask an employer
12 the job offer
12 How to handle a job offer
13 what next
13 You think it is the right job, what next?
13 Dealing with being turned down
13 Starting a new job
14 The Code of Conduct
14 The induction
15 starting-out checklist
16 Managing your dairy career
16 Rights and responsibilities
16 Dealing with conict
17 Building your reputation
17 Goals and direction
18 Managing your nances
18 Training
19 Looking after yourself
19 Work-life balance
19 Dealing with stress
20 Eating properly
21 Frequently asked questions
21 What are the hours like?
21 How much time off do I get?
21 Do I have to move every year?
21 How do pay levels compare to other jobs?
21 What experience do I need?
22 career insight
24 Contact list
2
60LLNSIAN9
S90Ih
A0SIFAIlA
WLSILFN
A0SIFAIlA
N9FIhLFN
ILFFlI9F!
NLW S90Ih
WAILS
IASMANlA
YlCI9FlA
WESTERN
GIPPSLAND
NORTHERN
SOUTHERN
CENTRAL
NORTH COAST
SOUTH-EAST
CENTRAL
NORTHERN
SOUTH-EAST
ADELAIDE HILLS
HOBART
MELBOURNE
SYDNEY
BRISBANE
CAIRNS
ADELAIDE
PERTH
INDUSTRY
The Dairy
1
Australian Dairy Industry in Focus 2008. (Dairy Australia).
2
Murray Goulburn Co-operative Co. Limited, 2006/2007.
The dairy industry
Welcome to one of Australias major rural industries.
Australias dairy industry is one of the three most
important rural industries, with a farmgate value of
$4.6 billion in 2007/2008. Dairy ranks fth in agricultural
exports valued at $2.9 billion.
1
This booklet has been put together to help people
who are thinking about a farm-based career in the dairy
industry, but are not sure whats involved or where to
begin. As well as being a guide to starting out and building
a career, it contains links to other organisations that can
provide information or services.
The dairy industry is a major employer. It is estimated that
approximately 40,000 people are directly employed on dairy
farms and manufacturing plants.
1
The dairy industry offers
a wide range of career options, whether you have just left
school or university or you are looking for a change of career.
Your career can be either on-farm, within the greater industry
or a mix of both. Many people gain their initial expertise and
experience working on farms.
Today, the average dairy farm is a multi-million dollar
business. It is dynamic, fast paced and continually
changing. The average herd size has increased in recent
years as farmers continue to expand their businesses,
increase milk production and become more specialised.
Todays dairy farmer is a high-powered business
professional and entrepreneur.
Alongside farming are the processing, marketing and support
sectors of the industry. The dairy manufacturing sector is
diverse and includes farmer-owned co-operatives, and public,
private and multi-national companies.
1
Australias largest farmer-owned co-operative, Murray Goulburn
accounts for 35% of Australias milk production, employs
around 2,300 people and is the largest container user in
the Port of Melbourne.
2
3
Do I want to get into farming?
Farming can be an exciting career pathway with boundless
opportunities.
Answer the following questions to help identify what things
are important to you in a job. Add your own questions if you
need to. This will help you to focus on the right job for you
and will be a good reference to come back to as you work
through this guide.
Here are some points that need
to be considered:
Do you like working outdoors?
Working on a dairy farm gives you the opportunity to work
outdoors. Theres nothing better than being out in the fresh air!
Would you like to build a career?
The Australian dairy industry has a broad array of both
practical and professional career opportunities. Whether you
have just left school or have a few years experience, there is
an appropriate place to start. If you have the right attitude and
work hard to learn as much as you can about running a dairy
farm, you may become a herd manager within a few years;
a farm manager in ve or six years; or run your own business
as a share farmer or equity partner.
WHAT I WANT
Not important Good to have Very important
I want to work outdoors
I want to work with other people
I want to work with animals
I want to work with machinery
I am looking for career advancement
I want a career that will enable me to travel
I want to build my own business
I aim to buy my own farm
If you have lots of marks in the
good to have and very important
columns then the dairy industry
could be the place for you!
FOR ME?
IS FARMING
4
My of ce is the great
outdoors.
WHAT WILL
What are the opportunities
in dairy farming?
Dairy farming offers everyone, regardless of nancial position
or educational background, the opportunity to start from
nothing and work their way up. The following are the common
positions available within dairy farming and examples of their
typical areas of responsibility.
Assistant Farm Hand
Tasks might include:
Milk Harvesting collecting the cows from the
paddock, check, start and operate the dairy.
Animal Husbandry identify and treat common
animal health problems, identify, record and care
for newborn calves.
Feed Management and Delivery load and
feed out hay or silage using machinery.
Farm Hand
Tasks might include:
Milk Harvesting check, start and operate the dairy,
identify cows with mastitis, teat damage, lameness
and other illnesses.
Animal Husbandry manage the program for cows
due to calve, regularly observe and attend to animal
health needs, assist calving cows.
Feed Management and Delivery determine pasture
availability and oversee its allocation.
Farm Supervisor
Tasks might include:
Milk Harvesting organise and oversee staff
involved in dairy operation, oversee the milk quality
assurance program.
Animal Husbandry administer drenches, vaccines,
mineral supplements and other appropriate animal
husbandry.
Feed Management and Delivery set up, operate
and monitor concentrate feed equipment, determine
the most appropriate time to graze fodder crops.
Pasture Production and Cropping determine
paddock rotation for optimum pasture utilisation,
follow weed management policy.
Plant Equipment and Infrastructure Maintenance
oversee maintenance program for farm vehicles,
equipment and implements.
Assistant
Farm Hand Farm Hand Farm Supervisor
Production
Manager
Business
Manager
The type of remuneration
based on total package value
$32,000 $45,000 $33,000 $50,000 $40,000 $50,000 $60,000 $75,000 $90,000 $120,000
Milk harvesting
Animal husbandry
Feed management & delivery
Pasture production & cropping
Plant & equipment maintenance
Administration
I DO?
5
Production Manager
Tasks might include:
Milk Harvesting identify and correct problems
in the machine function and operation.
Animal Husbandry select cows for AI and assist
with bull selection, oversee the animal health program
including the training and supervision of staff.
Feed Management and Delivery set the rotation
and oversee the delivery to all livestock, oversee the
sourcing and reticulation of water to livestock to meet
their requirements.
Pasture Production and Cropping determine
soil fertiliser program using soil fertility and production
data, determine nitrogen applications based on
seasonal conditions.
Plant Equipment and Infrastructure Maintenance
maintain and develop paddock infrastructure including
fencing, water troughs, laneways and drainage, implement
the dairy maintenance schedule including the replacement
of rubberware, machine testing and maintenance.
Administration ensure the farm is compliant with
workplace legislation, organise rosters and allocate tasks.
Business Manager
Tasks might include:
Milk Harvesting train others in correct milk
harvesting technique.
Animal Husbandry organise mating program
and AI livestock, oversee the animal health program
including the training and supervision of staff.
Feed Management and Delivery manage stored
feed inventory, understand dietary requirements based
on production, cost and availability, balance rations.
Pasture Production and Cropping determine
paddocks to lock up for fodder conservation and the
most appropriate time for harvest, organise for the
purchase, delivery and application of fertilisers.
Plant Equipment and Infrastructure Maintenance
maintain and develop stock handling equipment,
shedding and feeding areas.
Administration manage accounts and tax requirements,
set nancial indicators and manage the farm budget,
oversee the appointment of new employees, their induction,
training, remuneration and performance appraisal,
organise the communication system including staff
meetings and whiteboards.
The dairy industry provides excellent training for a diverse
range of skill sets. Once you have some practical farming
experience, you can use these skills to develop or broaden
a career pathway into a different area of the dairy industry.
For example, become an owner/operator within a contracting
business, or work in or manage a retail business that services
the farming community, or branch out to become an
agriculture teacher.
Dairy farming provides experience and training that can
contribute to making you a highly employable person.
The dairy industry is a global industry so there are many
opportunities for travel around the world.
Talking to people who currently work in the industry or
gaining work experience on different size farms will give
you a better idea of what to expect. At the back of this book
are contacts for further details, including the website for the
National Centre for Dairy Education Australia. The NCDEA
is a National Training Organisation that provides different
types of dairy training.
You may not stay on farm for your entire career; many people
move on and off farm as their career develops. There are
many opportunities to work on or around farms. Rural positions
such as contractors, service technicians, machinery sales,
scientists and researchers are all possible careers within the
dairy industry.
6
CAREER
INSIGHT
Karen Baum and her husband Warwick
are excited about the opportunities
in the dairy industry, but working with
cows was the last thing on Karens
mind when she was in her nal year
at school.
Karen grew up in the Latrobe Valley in Gippsland, Victoria,
and had her heart set on joining the Navy after school. With
the Navy intake not until July, her schools career counsellor
convinced Karen she needed a back-up plan.
I looked at some of the business courses available at college and
selected an agribusiness course at Longerenong, near Horsham,
It was the end of her ambition of joining the Navy and the
start of a long and rewarding career in the dairy industry.
Karens study involved spending time on industry placements
and she applied for positions in Gippsland during her summer
break.
Ive got a strong attachment to Gippsland because of my
family so I applied for a placement at the Department of Primary
Industries, Ellinbank. It was my rst exposure to the dairy industry
until then, I was unaware Id spent my life growing up in a
dairy region.
When Karen completed her Associate Diploma in Agricultural
Services she contacted Ellinbank and was offered a casual job,
which gave her the opportunity to milk cows, and work with
dairy research and extension staff.
The casual work led to a full time position as a Technical Ofcer
for a number of years that involved working in soil science and
dairy cow nutrition.
While working at Ellinbank, Karen married Warwick,
who was working on a 750-cow dairy farm at Willow Grove.
Karen enjoyed the practical side of the dairy industry, so when
she and Warwick were offered positions on an 800-cow dairy
in the Upper Murray, she resigned from Ellinbank.
After a time, Warwick and Karen opted to travel and worked
on range of farm-related jobs around Australia for six months.
The time away travelling made me realise just how good
the dairy industry is in terms of working conditions and
opportunities. We decided to start a family and both agreed
we needed to get back to Gippsland to settle down.
Warwick worked on a number of Gippsland farms and was
then offered an assistant manager position on a 1,000-cow
dairy, with a house supplied.
Karen stayed at home for 18 months when Thomas was born
in 2001 and then began using family day care a few days a
week. This allowed her to take a part-time job back at Ellinbank
and help on the farm.
Theres a real value in having a family on a farm, Karen said.
We know plenty of families where one of the parents will go off
to work when the kids are in bed in the morning and they come
home at night when the kids are asleep.
Living on the farm meant Warwick and Thomas were able
to see each other frequently throughout the day. Its a great
upbringing for children.
7
Part-time family day care also meant I could help out on
the farm and continue to build on my practical farm knowledge
with a part time job.
Warwick and Karen had planned to become managers of large
herds but in 2003 a position for a sharefarmer became available
on a nearby property.
The only requirement for the position was a motorbike
we realised we could do it and decided to give it a go,
Karen said. It was the best decision we have ever made.
Warwick and Karen took out a loan for a tractor and started
to build up the herd. The couple now own half the herd, are
working towards full herd ownership. They have recently
purchased a commercial rental property for off-farm investment.
Karen now works from home as a dairy industry consultant
working on national dairy industry projects.
We originally worked very hard and saved as much as we
could, Karen said.
The farm is basically a single person operation so I can
continue to utilise the skills I have developed, working full
time off the farm and helping out on farm when Im needed.
One of the key decisions weve made is to keep the farm
operation simple with a conservative stocking rate so the farm
management stays within our means.
We see a long-term future in sharefarming and want to expand
our business to include other farms and employ more staff.
Warwick and Karen employ a part time farm hand, Laura,
which has been a key decision in their business operation.
Laura is an important part of our farm business because it
allows us to run the farm around other work commitments
and take time away from the farm to do things as a family.
Everything has fallen into place because of the opportunities
weve had in the dairy industry.
Karens dairy career
Dairy research
Employer
Dairy extension
Business manager (share-farming)
Dairy farm hand
Dairy industry consultant
Co-ordinated young farmer program
The only requirement for the position
was a motorbike we realised we could do it and decided to give it a go, Karen said. I
t was the best
decision we have ever made.
8
Starting
What are employers looking for?
Most employers concentrate on two main areas when
they are looking for staff: attitude and skills.
A good attitude includes:
Honesty and reliability, for example, turning up
for work on time!
Ability to take initiative and work independently
Showing enthusiasm and interest in the business
Taking pride in the work and workplace
Skills will vary depending on the position, and often
farmers are happy to train staff with a good attitude.
There is a saying that goes Hire for attitude, train for skills.
How do I nd a farming job?
You can nd a job by:
Talking with a careers teacher, training organisation
and apprenticeship programs
Talking to farmers, factory eld staff or farm consultants
(word of mouth)
Replying to an advert in the paper
Looking on www.seek.com.au or www.agcareers.com.au
Contacting a rural recruitment rm.
Writing a covering letter
The covering letter is the rst thing a prospective employer will
read. They will often decide whether to read your Curriculum
Vitae based on the letter, so the covering letter is an extremely
important part of securing a job interview.
A covering letter should be concise (one page) and include:
Your contact details
The job you are applying for
Response to a position description (if provided)
How the position ts into your overall career plan
(a small paragraph)
Why they should hire you (a small paragraph)
It is a good idea to address the covering letter to the
person, not a general title (Mrs Jackson, not Farm Manager
or To whom it may concern). This shows the employer that
you have bothered to nd out who they are.
Like your Curriculum Vitae, it is crucial that a covering letter
is honest. Outlining your true skills will enable an employer to
identify skill gaps or training needs. A good guide to covering
letters can be found at http://www.yourcareerguide.com.au
Putting together a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
It is important that everyone has a CV when entering the
workforce. As your career and experience develops so will
your CV. A CV is a summary of your skills and experience
to date that can be presented either before or at the time
of interview. An employer will use your CV to see if the skills
you have match the skills they are looking for.
It is really important that your CV is honest do not claim
to be good at a something if you only have limited experience.
At the interview the employer will ask you questions related
to your CV. If your answers dont match what you claimed,
it could mean you miss the opportunity to work for them.
Give examples of work experience that show you have
appropriate skills. Dont just claim to have them. State the
facts, and back them up!
OUT
Dairy farming requires
many different skills.
9
Use the following table to identify
your skills to put in your CV
Many computer programs (e.g. Microsoft Word) or websites such
as those in the Contact List at the end of this document have a
selection of templates that can be used to prepare a CV, or you
can follow this format:
Personal details Full name and contact details including
address, phone, mobile, email. Include when is the best time to call.
Education and training Include all education and training,
starting with your most recent studies. Make sure you include all
training thats relevant to the job youre applying for.
Employment history Start with your most recent work
history and work backwards chronologically, listing the name of
the employer, your job title, the dates you worked there, and your
responsibilities, tasks and achievements. Include work experience
or volunteer work if you havent had many jobs and make sure you
include everything thats relevant to the job you are applying for.
Skills and abilities Use the skill stocktake on this page,
to put together a list of the things you can do.
Career objective (optional) Tell the employer what type
of career you want, this shows that youve given thought to
your future.
Interests (optional) A list of your hobbies and interests;
this gives employers more information about you and also
shows other areas of your life where youve gained other skills
or experiences. Playing football on weekends not only keeps
you t and healthy but also shows teamwork.
Referees Include two or three work references if you can.
If you have no previous employers you could ask sports coaches,
mentors or work experience referees. Make sure you get their
permission before including them on your resume. List their
name, occupation and contact details.
Skill Stocktake Write down all the things you can do
or know in each area
Milk harvesting
Animal
husbandry
Feed
management
& delivery
Pasture
production &
cropping
Plant equipment
& infrastructure
maintenance
Administration
Working with
others
Working on
your own
Attitude
Dairy training
completed
Other training
completed
Other skills
TiP: Your CV should:
Be a true record of your skills and experience
Summarise your relevant achievements dont
include every award you have ever received!
Be easy to read and clear
Be 23 pages long at most
10
Starting
OUT
Trust yourself you can do it!
Referees
One of the best ways to highlight your skills and achievements
is through the references. A referee could be someone who has
known you for some time, such as a sports coach, they could
be a neighbour or an employer from part-time employment.
Some employers may ask for written references or the contact
details of 2-3 referees. Make sure you provide upto-date contact
details and always ask referees before providing their details.
It also helps to tell the referees about the job youre applying
for so they can think beforehand about your skills and abilities
for the job.
Tips to help you get the job you want
Mentors
A mentor is someone you can use as a sounding board for
ideas and who will give you guidance. Mentors will challenge
you, support you and provide you with new skills. You can
have a number of mentors help you in different areas of your
life, e.g. nancial and career choices. When you are choosing
a mentor, consider people whose advice you can trust and
who you respect.
Project the right image
Be professional in your attitude to job seeking. Make sure
you are on time and meet any close-off dates for sending
information or replying to phone messages. If you are late,
it doesnt say much about your time-management abilities.
Prepare yourself for an interview by having a written list of
questions to ask the employer. Practise the interview with
someone who can help build your condence.
Questions to ask an employer
You should write a list of questions to ask your prospective
employer. This could include questions like: How long is the
probation period? How would I know if I have done a good job?
Some other questions that you may wish to ask include:
Number of other staff and the roles of other people
employed on the farm
Your responsibilities
Rosters
The level of ongoing contact with the employer
The accommodation arrangements, including a request
to go and look at it
The amount of time-off permitted and the remuneration
package (which may include things other than wages
such as fuel and meat)
The hours of work throughout the season
Any opportunities for training both on the job and off farm
The social life in the community.
11
Applying for a job checklist:
YES NO
I have decided what sort of position
I am looking for.
I have done a skill stocktake.
I have prepared my covering letter and CV.
I know the size and scale of the farm
operation I would like to work on..
I have looked in the newspaper, on the
internet, for suitable jobs.
I have prepared questions to use when
I speak to the potential employer.
I have approached farmers I would like
to work for.
I have a current quali cation from NCDEA.
Preparing for the interview checklist: YES NO
I know how to nd the property.
I know how long it will take me to get there.
I have written down the questions I want
to ask at the interview.
I have a copy of my CV and other
relevant documents.
I have dressed appropriately for the interview.
I have suitable footwear and overalls with
me for walking the farm.
My car is clean and tidy.
Use these questions to prepare for a successful interview
W
hen
a
pply
in
g
f
or a
j
ob run

throug
h this check
list to m
a
k
e sure
y
ou d
on
t f
org
et a
n
y
thin
g
12
TiP: Prepare questions before talking
to these people; talk to more than one
person in case that one is someone who
has an unusual view of your potential
employer.
How to handle a job offer
This is where all your work and preparation pays off.
You may even have several offers at the same time, so you
need to respond to all the offers responsibly. You may want
to work for some of these people in the future, even if its
not the right job for you now.
Remember, the job with the most money or the most time
off may not be the best one for you! It is important to
understand the role and responsibilities of the position.
How do you decide which is the right job for you?
You need to do your homework:
Does the job match the things you put on your
what I want checklist?
Will you get training?
Is it a team environment?
Where have other employees moved to after working
for this employer?
What sort of reputation does the employer have?
The answers to these questions could help you determine
if the position is right for you. Remember that during an
interview everyone is putting their best foot forward, including
the employer. You can ask your potential employer if there are
some people you could talk with to nd out more about them,
preferably employees who have moved on.
It is a good idea to obtain a copy of the Employment Contract
(including a position description) before starting the job. You
should be given enough time to seek advice about the content
of this agreement before signing it. Ask your mentor, an
experienced friend or family member, or if you have signicant
concerns, a solicitor to assist. Remember, you dont have to
accept the job straight away. If you require more information
on your legal rights and responsibilities you should seek advice
from a professional.
The Job
Offer
With the right attitude the
opportunities could be endless
13
You think it IS the right job, what next?
If you are interested in taking the job, you will need to talk
about the terms of the offer with your potential employer.
You may need to negotiate parts of the agreement, such as
training, time off, remuneration or other points. The agreement
can only be signed when both parties are in agreement.
Two copies need to be signed you retain one and your
employer retains the other. Before discussing pay with an
employer, it is a good idea to do some research to nd out
what you should be paid. A good website to do this is:
www.workplace.gov.au.
Remember: You should sign the Employment Contract before
starting work. If you have signicant concerns, do not start the
job until agreement is reached. Alternatively, you could write to
your employer saying that you are starting but that you want
your concerns to be dealt with.
Dealing with being turned down
Try to remain positive and not become discouraged when
you are turned down for jobs. There could be any number
of reasons why you werent the best candidate.
It is a good idea to get feedback from interviews. If you miss
out on a job, ask them why and what you could have done
better or differently. This feedback can help you when applying
for other jobs. Some employers may be happy to give you this
feedback over the phone; others may wish to put it in writing.
It is also possible the employer may choose not to give you
this information.
Remember that if you are not doing something well when
applying for jobs you need to x it and you wont know what
you are doing wrong unless you ask for feedback.
Starting a new job
As a new employee you will have a lot to learn about the
farm and the people you work with. Different farmers do
things differently and may prefer you to use their method,
rather than the way youve done it previously.
Your introduction to the farm is likely to take place over a
couple of weeks as you are gradually shown how things work.
This is an ideal opportunity for you to ask questions about
anything you are not sure of or dont understand.
Remember: Most employers prefer you to ask questions if
you are not sure rather than just giving it a go and maybe
getting it wrong.
Not all farm activities happen all year round. You may only be
shown or trained in some activities when it is the right time of
year, e.g. silage and hay-making season.
WHAT
NEXT
14
The Code of Conduct
Many farm businesses are now developing codes of conduct
that set out the ethical principles and professional standards
for employees expected by their employers for creating good
working environments. It can help employees understand what
is reasonable and/or expected behaviour in the farm business.
The induction
No employee can walk into a new job and be 100% effective
on the rst day. That only comes through understanding how
the farm systems actually work.
Many dairy farms now provide induction training designed
for you to get the information you need to get up to speed
on how the farm business works. Staff induction often
focuses on policies: safety, security, anti-discrimination, etc.
During this introduction or orientation time, you or your
employer may identify areas you require more training in.
This can be the start of your training program.
Make sure you use your initiative and ask questions.
The following checklist can help you work out if there is
anything you are unsure of, so you can ask your employer.
Never be afraid to ask questions at any time.
TiP: Talk to your employer about
what is important to you and ask
them what is important to them.
This will encourage understanding
and communication.
WHAT
NEXT
I like that we communicate
all the time.
15
An Induction of Of ce Support Management YES NO
Discussed with of ce/ nance manager
Salary & payslip
Employee agreement
Timesheets
Tax declaration
Bank account details
Reimbursements
An Induction to the position
Start up and operation of milking,
refrigeration, washing and I.D./Feed system
Movement of cows to and from paddock
Operating milking system
Application of teat disinfectants
Identi cation and reporting of mastitis
and other illnesses
Milk quality
Dairy hygiene
End of milking procedure
Cleanliness of the milking shed
Set gates for next selected paddock
Record keeping
Workplace relationships and responsibilities
Introduction to the farm Business: YES NO
Business history
Organisational ow chart
Vision, mission, values
Scope of work
The team
Workplace map
Business Code of Conduct
Terms and Conditions of Employment
Employee Declaration
Employee details
Training details
General Policies
Privacy
OH&S
Proof of competency and training
Personal responsibilities
Injury and accident procedures
Electricity and electrical work
Sexual harassment in the workplace
Conict management
General Procedures
In case of re
Manual lifting
Emergency details
Induction to the job
Tour of workplace
Job description
Duty hours
Notication of absences
Car parking
Telephone answering and messages
Computer systems
Amenities
W
hen
sta
rtin
g
a
n
ew
j
ob run

throug
h this check
list w
ith y
our
em
ploy
er to m
a
k
e sure y
ou d
on
t
f
org
et a
n
y
thin
g
.
STARTING-OUT
CHECKLIST
16
Getting feedback on how you are going on the job is really
important. You need to spend time with your employer and
nd out what you are doing well and what areas you could
improve on.
This will help you to understand each other better, have
clear expectations of each other and have a positive working
relationship. This process is called performance appraisal.
Performance appraisal should happen at regular intervals
throughout the year. Ask your new employer how often they
sit down with their staff to discuss performance on the job.
For more information on performance appraisal, check out
The People in Dairy resources at www.thepeopleindairy.org.au.
Rights and responsibilities
Every employee in Australia has rights and responsibilities,
as do all employers in Australia.
For example as an employee:
You must be provided with an Employment Agreement
and must be treated fairly and equitably
You are entitled to four weeks annual leave per year
You have an obligation to act in a safe manner and take
all reasonable steps to ensure your safety
Your entitlement to public holidays, sick leave and personal
leave should be written into your Employment Contract
You must comply with all legal instructions.
These are examples and each of these points has certain
conditions around them; they should be outlined in your
Employment Contract.
Employers and employees need to communicate what is
expected of the other honestly and openly. There are some
legal requirements you need to be aware of; make sure
you know what your employer must provide and what
your obligations are.
Dealing with conict
Whenever you work with other people there is the possibility
of conict, which can be hard to resolve because emotion
is often involved. Conict hardly ever just goes away of its
own accord. Normally, you have to sit down and deal with it.
Doing this calmly and professionally is more likely to bring
about a positive result.
Tips for dealing with conict:
Talk about the conict and how to resolve it, either with
the person concerned or with your employer or manager
Tell the other person how it makes you feel
Work on nding solutions or a compromise
If necessary, agree to disagree
Try not to take work disagreements home, especially
if you are working and living in shared accommodation
Dont let conict fester or it could ruin your relationship
with the other person
Dont leave it too long to talk about it, as it will just get
harder to resolve
Dont be afraid to seek outside advice, e.g. from a mentor.
Remember, people dont always know that what they are doing
or how their behaviour is affecting you, so talk about it with
them. Also, if something you are doing or saying is irritating
others, dont explode if they come to talk with you about it.
Dealing with conict is often a trade-off between what we want
and the relationship we have with the other person. Get help to
resolve problems before they get too big to tackle.
MANAGING Your
DAIRY CAREER
17
Now you are in the industry and on your way to achieving
your goals. How do you keep heading in the right direction?
Attitude and motivation
You often hear people saying, Attitude is more important
than skills! There are a number of reasons why that is so:
Your attitude can determine how easy it is for an
employer to teach you new skills
Your attitude is something only you can change
Your attitude can affect those you work with
(both positively and negatively)
Without the right attitude, it can be hard work
progressing your career.
There are lots of ways you can show the right attitude.
These include:
Getting on with the job instead of nding reasons
why it wont work
Helping others if you have nished, not hassling
them because you think theyre slack
Being the rst to volunteer to help or do a job
Happily doing whats needed, even if it is your
least favourite job
Working with a happy approach
Saying good morning to your fellow workmates
Owning up to mistakes
Giving things a go.
You get the picture!
Building your reputation
Some people in the dairy industry are well known, even though
many people have not met them. They have built a reputation,
or image through the things they have done.
Personal reputations can be both good and bad. You need to
build yourself a good one. A good reputation is your biggest
asset. It may lead to you being offered jobs before you start
looking!
How do you build a good personal reputation?
Be professional in all that you do and do what
you say you will
Have good time management skills, good communication
skills and be responsible
Be good at your job and work at developing your
skills and knowledge
Treat other people as you would like to be treated yourself
When you are working with and talking to people,
show your enthusiasm and motivation, as this can be
as important as your skill level
If accommodation is provided, look after it and keep
it clean: respect that it belongs to someone else.
Doing these things will create the basis for a good personal
reputation.
Goals and direction
It is important to know where you are going and what you are
trying to achieve. Its a good idea to have written goals and time
targets to achieve them. When you are starting out it is often
hard to know what might be possible. Write your goals down,
regularly review them, and ask yourself:
Are these goals still what I want to achieve?
Is my current job taking me in the right direction
to achieve my goals?
If the answer to either of these questions is No, then you
need to redene your goals or adjust your direction. It is OK
to do this few successful people started off knowing exactly
what they were going to achieve.
Having goals will help you identify if a new job will give you the
skills and experience you are looking for or if it is a step in the
wrong direction for you. Having nancial goals and budgeting
can be the difference between getting ahead or going
backwards.
TiP: write your goals down this
way they are more likely to happen
and they are easier to review.
18
Managing your nances
It is important to have a nancial goal in mind when you have a
regular pay cheque. It will help shape progress in your personal
and business life. Dont forget to enjoy yourself along the way,
but it is important to nd a balance that suits you.
Take this simple example of a farm assistant:
Salary: $30,000
Tax: $5,850
After tax (per week) $465
Expenses:
Debt servicing (car) $75
Running costs (car) $75
Board and lodgings* $80
Spare cash $235
Less savings: $150
Cash available for spending $85
* These expenses can vary depending on type of position, and may
or may not include food, power and phone.
In this example, the farm assistant has set themselves
a goal of saving $150 each week for future security.
That leaves $85 per week for them to enjoy how they like.
Compounding savings can really work for you. For example,
if you save $150 per week, this will amount to $39,000 in
just ve years. With the accumulated interest working for you
during this time the amount generated will be close to $50,000.
This can then be used to purchase an asset or go towards a
deposit on the purchase of an asset such as a house or some
livestock to start your own herd.
These gures are very broad and general, but it is important
to realise that putting money aside early in your working life
will help create substantial benets down the line.
These benets include:
Establishing a reputation with others, such as bankers,
lenders and employers
Enabling you to take advantage of possible future
opportunities, e.g. purchasing stock or shares as an
investment.
It is important to monitor your nances. Set up a simple
budget and keep track of the money going in and the money
you spend. This can be done in your work diary or notebook
just record transactions as they occur. A little self-discipline can
go a long way! There are a number of websites containing
excellent resources to help manage your nances. Try one of
our favourites: www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au
Training
There are many forms of training, from one-on-one to off-
farm group training. Off-farm training can be classroom-style,
practical or a mix of both. Your employer may be willing to
subsidise training for you, so it is a good idea to discuss
options with them.
The National Centre for Dairy Education Australia is dedicated
specically to dairy vocational education and training (VET) and
delivers nationally accredited courses in:
Agriculture (specialising in dairy production)
Food Technology (Dairy)
Food Processing
Phone 1300 0 NCDEA (1300 0 62332) or visit the NCDEA
website: www.ncdea.edu.au
One-day short courses are available from time to time in some
areas. These include farm seminars, discussion groups, short
courses in specialist skills and eld days.
Training does not need to be limited to traditional farming work.
Other areas to consider are:
Time management
First Aid
Leadership
Computers
Cooking
Sports coaching.
TiP: Set up an automatic payment
so that each month (or week) a portion
of your pay goes directly into a
savings account.
MANAGING Your
DAIRY CAREER
19
Looking after
yourself
Work-life balance
What is work-life balance? It is the important balance
between work and play. Too much work can make you tired,
stressed and bored. Too little work can mean you lose focus,
enthusiasm and money. The aim is to get enough work to
keep you interested and enough leisure time to have fun.
There are some key tricks to achieving good work-life balance:
Use your annual leave. You are entitled to at least four
weeks annual holiday after a years employment (these
details should be written in your Employment Contract).
If possible, try to take at least two weeks per year off
as a block.
Go off farm for some or all of your days off
Have non-farm-related hobbies and interests
(e.g. shing, camping, stamp collecting)
Mix with people other than your workmates. Rural support
networks can include young farmer activities, sports groups
and teams and community groups.
Have work goals and personal goals and spend time
on both.
Dealing with stress
Stress can be both positive and negative. Stress is a part of
everyday life and helps make life stimulating and interesting.
However, excessive stress can be destructive.
We all experience stress differently. Some people thrive on
stress; others shy away from it. Events that are stressful for
one person can be routine for another.
Responses to stress vary, but can include:
Taking it out on other people (yelling, losing your
temper, getting aggressive, etc)
Giving up
Self-indulgence (e.g. with food, alcohol, etc)
Changes in sleeping patterns
Poor judgement
Headaches, indigestion, high blood pressure
and other health problems.
Excessive stress can lead to impaired work performance,
burnout and health problems. Almost all people experience
times when they feel excessively stressed, and there can be
a ne line between coping and not coping with stress. It is
recommended that people seek professional advice when they
have problems coping with stress. Do this as early as possible.
This is really importantdont ignore the signs of stress.
I have regular time off to
spend with my friends.
20
DOS DONTS
Exercise Worry about things
you cant control
(e.g. the weather)
Get off farm (even if its
just for a drive on your
days off)
Ignore warning signs
Get enough sleep Take out your stress on
those around you (e.g. spouse
or partner)
Talk to family, friends, your
employer or manager about
how you are feeling
Become isolated talk to
people, visit others on your
days off
Be realistic about what you
expect from yourself
Write a list of what you want
to achieve each day, high-
light the most important ones
and focus on these
Eat properly. Have at least
one good meal a day
Get professional assistance
if you feel you are not
coping
looking after
yourself
It is also important to recognise what causes stress for you and
plan how to cope when these situations arise. The table shows
some ideas to help you cope with stress:
Eating properly
One of the simplest things you can do to look after yourself is
to eat properly. This means making sure you have three meals
a day that are good for you.
The way to do this is to:
be organised
have a menu plan for breakfast, lunch and dinner
worked out in advance
write a shopping list of the food you will need before
you go to the supermarket
buy enough groceries to get you through till your next
days off
stock up on grocery items that can be stored for longer
so you have a backup
have a reserve of food, e.g. bread in the freezer, tins,
dried foods.
Try to:
eat a balanced diet, e.g. 5+ fruit and vegetables a day
get yourself a few easy-to-prepare recipes
make sure you eat a balance of meat, vegetables and
cereals
always have something to eat for breakfast, lunch and
dinner it is the fuel for your body.
Decide how you will deal with stress before it happens
so that you stay in control of it instead of it controlling you.
And remember others, be understanding and supportive
if they are feeling stressed.
21
a
s
k
e
d
q
u
e
s
t
io
n
s
What are the hours like?
The hours you could work differ from farm to farm.
They depend on the size of the dairy farm, the number of
staff and seasonal jobs that need doing (e.g. silage making).
The law states that you should have an indication of the hours
in your written Employment Contract prior to commencing
employment. The employer may ask employees to work longer
hours for some of the year when it is busy. It is likely you will
work longer hours in the spring and the calving period.
Any additional hours need to be agreed to by both parties
and paid appropriately.
Some farms use a roster system for example, six days on,
two days off or eleven days on, three days off.
How much time off do I get?
How many weekends you get off depends on the farm and
the roster system they are using. However, many employers
are now giving employees two days off every week. Ensure this
is clear before accepting a job and make sure you know if it is
different during calving compared to the dry period or regular
milking season.
Do I have to move every year?
No. It is often better to stay longer with one employer for
experience. A good employer will help you to develop your
skills. Staying with this employer for at least two to three
years demonstrates loyalty and ability to commit.
How do pay levels compare to other jobs?
There is a large range in salary depending on your experience
and the responsibilities involved in the job. In the dairy industry
employers provide benets other than just wages or salary.
When you talk to your mates about pay rates it is important to
remember that these other benets have a value too. This is
called the Total Package Value (TPV). Here is an example:
Cash salary $30,000
House value ($150/week) $7,800
Meat (1 cattle beast/year) $800
Total Package Value (TPV) $38,600
A friend might be earning $32,000 in town, which is better in
cash terms, but when you consider the TPV, they are earning
less than the person on the farm. Remember, they have to pay
rent and buy their meat.
It is important that you understand the amount of rent you are
to pay, whether you are paying a bond on the accommodation,
who is responsible for phone and power costs, etc.
Remember to check about any conditions associated with
non-cash components of your package such as how much
rewood is acceptable?
What experience do I need?
You do not need any farming experience when starting in
an entry-level position on a farm. What is most important is
your attitude and willingness to learn. Make sure your employer
knows what you do and dont know, so they can make sure
you get the training you need to help you succeed in the
industry.
Frequently
22
Training has fast-tracked
my career.
Dean Fleming enjoys working in the
dairy industry. The 19-year-old likes
being outdoors, the responsibilities
of milking and feeding a herd and,
of course, the pay.
Dean started working full time in the dairy industry two years
ago after a traineeship and studying a Certicate II in Agriculture
during Years 10 and 11 at school.
Part of the traineeship involved on farm work which gave me
a really good opportunity to learn more about dairying and
having a go in the industry, Dean says.
Id been on dairy farms around our district when I was growing
up because my mother used to work as a milker and often took
me along when I was younger.
I really enjoyed going along with her and liked farming life
it looked much better than getting an ofce job.
The traineeship was a great way to get some dairy industry
experience and Id recommend it.
A couple of other people in my year at school went through
the traineeship program and are now working on district dairy
farms. Dean now works full time for Paul Roderick who runs
a herd of 200 milkers at Harrisville in southern Queensland.
I love working outdoors and having a job which is hands
on. Most of my work revolves around milking and feeding,
especially given the drought.
I like the ability to work on my own and the responsibility I have
that goes with working for Paul.
Dean is keen to continue learning more about the industry and
further his career with plans to do a Certicate III in Agriculture.
CAREER
INSIGHT
23
Paul Roderick is the fth generation to milk cows on his familys
property at Harrisville. He has found that employing Dean has
given him the opportunity to take up industry opportunities off
farm, knowing that Dean is on the farm.
There are all sorts of opportunities out there for young
people who want a career in the dairy industry, Paul says.
If you want to work on a dairy farm then try to nd a farmer
who has a good reputation in the industry and is progressive
in their business, because you learn a lot from the people you
work for.
Choosing the dairy industry as a career was an obvious choice
for the 30-year-old, who had helped around the farm as part of
growing up.
I was always involved in the farm because I was always
interested in dairying. In contrast I have three sisters who arent
interested in the farm and have pursued different careers,
Paul says.
Today, Paul oversees a herd of 200 milkers, 100 young stock
and a small beef herd on the farm he runs in partnership with
his parents.
When I was in Year 12 at school my parents were building up
the milking herd which was increasing the work load at home.
At the end of school I had the option of working on the
farm if I wasnt interested my parents would have employed
someone. I was never going to be someone who wanted
to work in an ofce. I love being outdoors and the variety
of work a career in the dairy industry offers.
My work involves managing a whole farm system covering
cropping, growing feed and managing feed supply as well as
managing stock.
Its challenging when youre dealing with seasons and animals
theres always something different from one year to the next.
I really enjoy the responsibility.
Running a good dairy operation involves a whole range of
skills no two farms are the same. It can be hard work but
there are enormous benets.
Paul also likes seeing the results of changes being made on
farm as well as getting out and visiting other farm businesses.
The family farm has been involved in research trials on pasture
and forage crops and in a number of industry projects.
We get a lot out of our involvement in the research and
development projects because we get access to new
technology and ideas and can see how things work on
our farm.
Paul is actively involved in other dairy industry activities.
These roles take me away from the farm one to two days
a month and give me a broader understanding of the industry
and a broader range of skills.
I enjoy the variety each day brings
24
CONTACT
LIST
Dairy Australia
www.dairyaustralia.com.au
Dairy Australia is the industrys farmer owned service
organisation. The Company invests approximately $30 million
of dairy farmer levy payments and $15 million of taxpayer funds
in projects and services for the benet of the Australian dairy
industry.
The People in Dairy
www.thepeopleindairy.org.au
The People in Dairy program has been established to support
the delivery of projects and resources for individuals in the dairy
industry. The program includes a web resource designed to
manage the people resource on farms.
The National Centre for
Dairy Education Australia
www.ncdea.edu.au
The NCDEA offers a range of qualications and awards in dairy
from short courses through to nationally accredited courses.
My Future
www.myfuture.edu.au
My Future is an information service to help you make
career decisions. It has information on industries, occupations,
study choices, scholarships, education and training,
regional employment trends and videos.
Job Guide
www.jobguide.dest.gov.au
Job guide describes more than 500 occupations and
education and training requirements. It includes information
on career planning and exploring pathways.
YARN
www.yarn.gov.au
YARN is an interactive website designed for young people
in rural industries. It is an Australian Government initiative
which aims to provide people with a place to interact and
share information with others around Australia.
Rural Skills Australia
www.ruralskills.com.au
Rural Skills Australia provides advice, assistance and training
to Australian Apprenticeships Centres, Job Network members
and Registered Training Organisations.
Agri-Food Industry Skills Council
www.agrifoodskills.com.au
The council represents the broad interests of all agri-food
industry sectors.
The Source
www.thesource.gov.au
The Source aims to encourage young people between
the ages 12 and 25 to get involved in their community,
and provides a number of vehicles through which young
people can access the Government and provide input into
Government policy and programs. The source also provides
a wide range of information to help young Australians make
important life decisions.
FEEDBACK
This booklet has been put together to assist you with your journey into the dairy industry. For it to best meet your needs we need to know
how useful it has been and what suggestions you have for making it better. The best way for that to happen is for you to tell us what you
think of it.
Please give us some feedback by lling in and returning this postcard to:
Swann House, Level 2, 22 William St, Melbourne 3000 or e-mail your feedback to info@thepeopleindairy.org.au
Postcard From An In2Dairy User
I have found useful information in this booklet Absolutely No Way
I keep going back to different sections as I need to Absolutely No Way
I would recommend it to my friends Absolutely No Way
The most useful section for me was:



The part you most need to change is:



Other things I want to say about In2Dairy:
T
ra
ining
ha
s g
iven m
e
g
rea
ter con d
ence
For further information about the project please contact:
Dairy Australia
The People in Dairy Program
Level 5, IBM Centre
60 City Rd
Southbank Vic, 3006
T: 1800 824 196
enquiries@dairyaustralia.com.au
www.thepeopleindairy.org.au
www.dairyaustralia.com.au or