This program provides a foundation of knowledge and skills to manage dairy cattle and to navigate the ever-changing dairy industry. Students participate in hands-on learning with various dairy operations as they develop solid herdsperson skills, proper management techniques, employability skills, and the ability to utilize technology to improve animal welfare and production. This program is perfect for those already working within the dairy community who are seeking to grow their knowledge; and it is great for those entering the dairy industry.

Why Consider a Dairy Herd Management Degree?

You’re interested in a career in the dairy industry where your focus is on the animals.
Building the skills you need to become a valued farmworker interests you.
You want a career where you can spend the majority of your time outdoors.
Herd management is vital to healthy, thriving dairy farm operations

Why Learn at Lakeshore?

This program is offered through our flexible competency-based education (CBE) format, which allows you to accelerate your learning while receiving personalized coaching and support.
With frequent start dates, begin when it’s convenient for you.
Get hands-on learning through two internships with local area dairy farms.
Our Professional Agricultural Students organization offers opportunities to participate in competitions and activities.
Because of our low student-to-faculty ratio, you’ll get to know instructors and fellow students.

What It Takes

Passion for farming and its lifestyle
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Keen observation skills
Good communications skills
Ability to perform many physical tasks
Interest in operating devices, and equipment

Career Area

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

Type

Technical Diploma

Program Number

31-091-1

Availability

CBE

Technical Diploma
2 Terms
30 Credits
Financial Aid Eligible
Starts fall

Career Outlook

Dairy Herd Management

Median Income: $29,138.00*

POTENTIAL JOB TITLES

(Click a title for job description)

Animal Breeders

Select and breed animals according to their genealogy, characteristics, and offspring. May require knowledge of artificial insemination techniques and equipment use. May involve keeping records on heats, birth intervals, or pedigree.

Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals

Attend to live farm, ranch, open range or aquacultural animals that may include cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses and other equines, poultry, rabbits, finfish, shellfish, and bees. Attend to animals produced for animal products, such as meat, fur, skins, feathers, eggs, milk, and honey. Duties may include feeding, watering, herding, grazing, milking, castrating, branding, de-beaking, weighing, catching, and loading animals. May maintain records on animals; examine animals to detect diseases and injuries; assist in birth deliveries; and administer medications, vaccinations, or insecticides as appropriate. May clean and maintain animal housing areas. Includes workers who shear wool from sheep and collect eggs in hatcheries.

First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.

Disclosure:

*Lightcast/EMSI data is a hybrid dataset derived from official government sources such as the US Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. This salary data is from the Lakeshore District.

Admissions and Enrollment Waitlist and Petition Flexible Learning Courses

Admission and First Semester Enrollment Steps

Submit online application
Complete the online Student Success Questionnaire
Complete Get Started at Lakeshore appointment
- Application Check-in
- College Orientation Overview
- 1st Time Program Registration

Submit high school transcripts, college transcripts, and test scores (optional, highly recommended). Official transcripts will be needed for transferring college credit(s) and for financial aid purposes.

Program Cost

Tuition Cost: $5,122.33
Book Cost: $327.00
Supply Cost: $0.00
Program Total: $5,449.33

Some of Lakeshore College’s programs may reach program capacity due to high demand. When this occurs, the College will follow the Admissions Procedure to establish and maintain a waitlist to prioritize enrollment. In addition, some programs may offer a petition process outlined in their specific program handbook.

COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION is a learning model offering far more flexibility than traditional models. Fitting college around your work and personal commitments is possible because CBE allows you to:

Learn When You Want To
Progress at Your Own Pace
Receive Personalized Coaching; Support

Learn More About CBE

Apply Now

Faculty Bios

Megan Kulow, PhD

I have a passion for all things agriculture. Being an educator is a privilege. I am excited students choose our Ag programs so we can set them up for success! Lakeshore is surrounded by a large supportive community of farmers eager to have students tour their farms and get hands-on experience.

Learn More About This Instructor