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Dairy Grazier
Published
Hybrid Apprenticeship
Industries
O*Net Code
11-9013.00
Rapids Code
2019HY
Req. Hours
3400
State
DC
Created
Jul 16, 2021
Updated
Jul 16, 2021
Time-Based Skills
7 skill sets | 65 total skills
Measure and manage pastures for optimal quality and quantity - 800 req. hrs
Graze different cow groups according to needs
Allocate appropriate break of grass
Monitor plant health and productivity
Control weeds
Select plants, grasses, and legumes based on conditions
Overseed pastures
Renovate pastures
Calculate stocking rates
Maintain accurate pasture records
Illustrate plant and animal interactions and connections
Apply soil fertility information to pasture management decision making
Manage cattle appropriately-heifers/dry cows, calves, milking cows - 800 req. hrs
Move and handle livestock safely
Evaluate calf needs and use current resources to meet their requirements
Maintain cattle specific records
Optimize versus maximize milk production
Establish cow breeding cycles
Manage herd health
Feed cattle
Plan for winter feeding, fall harvesting, and purchasing winter feed supplies
Develop contingency plans for weather, prices, and unknowns
Manage milking operations - 800 req. hrs
Manage milk cow environment
Develop milking protocols
Manage milk quality
Milk cows
Perform milk testing
Maintain stock records
Assess dairy nutritional needs - 400 req. hrs
Develop a strategy to optimize the amount of feed that comes from pasture
Develop a plan to extend the grazing season
Determine daily pasture allowance
Select quality feed
Select feed appropriate to livestock needs
Monitor feed, grain and supplemental nutrition
Store grain and supplemental feed
Maintain supplement feed records and information
Plan for winter feed needs
Evaluate grazing and dairy farm information for effective decision making - 200 req. hrs
Acquire information from farm records
Use computer technology for dairy grazing related information gathering and analysis
Access information via the Internet and other sources
Analyze financial information related to dairy grazing operations
Analyze commodity pricing relationships for rotational dairy grazing (milk, fuel, feed)
Perform general business performance analyses based on dairy and grazing information
Manage financial resources based on budget and records
Make farm decisions based on management information systems
Adapt to circumstances or the environment based on reliable information
Manage soil and water resources for productivity and health - 200 req. hrs
Assess soil based on type and conditions
Balance and maintain soil conditions and fertility for proper plant nutrient content
Show awareness for both organic and non-organic agronomy
Coordinate planting, plant growing seasons, and the environment with animal needs
Handle chemicals safely and in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions
Manage drought conditions based on soil types
Manage water quality based on conditions
Irrigate soil for optimum productivity
Create wildlife habitats and natural areas
Apply land conservation techniques based on soil and water quality
Illustrate the interrelationships between soil health, fertility and pasture productivity
Utilize integrated pest management when needed
Manage manure
Fertilize pastures
Manage farm business operations profitably - 200 req. hrs
Manage time effectively
Plan forward
Coordinate custom operations
Retain employees
Recruit employees
Maintain good landlord and tenant relations
Balance profitability, family goals, and rural community impact (people, neighbors, and environment)
Technical Instruction
Pasture-Based Dairy and Livestock Seminar (Fall & Spring) - 45 req. hrs
The Pasture-Based Dairy and Livestock Seminar will familiarize you with the development and management of pasture-based dairy and livestock farm businesses.
Dairy Nutrition Seminar - 36 req. hrs
Students will learn theory behind farming practices. Topics covered in this course include; roles of digestive nutrients, nutritional requirements at various growth stages, relationship between forage quality and nutrition, ration balancing through calculation of feed, and dry matter intake. Students will learn about various methods of feeding dairy animals, including grazing system principles. Students will also evaluate the use of dairy nutrition feed technologies.
Dairy Health Seminar - 36 req. hrs
Students will explore the animal environment and adaptation, animal health and behavior as it relates to production and non-production species. Furthermore, it will provide the student with the skills to apply basic veterinary skills, animal behavior, signs of illness, vaccination programs, heard health records, and troubleshoot basic electrical applications.
Milk Quality Seminar - 36 req. hrs
This course will provide students with a solid background in producing quality milk and utilizing good herd health management practices. Students will be introduced to milking systems and components, milk procedures, sanitation, diseases, udder anatomy, and milk secretion. Students will be exposed to milk quality practices globally.
Organic Soils, Nutrients, and Composting - 17 req. hrs
Functional soil is the foundation of organic systems. Build robust healthy soil through organic matter, micro-organisms, and nutrient cycling. Explore composting techniques, organic fertilizer sources, soil fertility testing, balancing.
Pasture Walks
Pasture walks with dairy grazing specialists will share best practices and grazing skills to apprentices during their apprenticeship.
Introduction to Animal/Dairy Science - 72 req. hrs
Introduction to the basics of livestock management. Management of the Dairy herd with concentration on nutrition, feedstuffs classification, reproduction, genetics, animal behavior, animal health, and sustainable agriculture practices.
Spring Grazing Conference
Annual 2-day spring conference will provide apprentices with an opportunity to network with other dairy graziers and learn current practices and farm trends. Contact Grassworks for information.
Farm Discussion Groups
Small group discussions with other graziers will explore best practices, emerging trends, new approaches to dairy production and grazing operations.
