Milking the Dream Job: 7 Underrated Benefits of Being a Dairy Farmer

1. Morning's First Light

The day of a dairy farmer starts hours before most people's, with the silent beauty of a morning. Working at sunrise is like observing the world before the chaos begins. There's a connection with nature that can only be experienced in a rural environment, a mindfulness that comes naturally as you say ‘good morning’ to your herd.

2. The Smell of the Earth

Now, this might not be for everyone, but, the earthy smells of a dairy farm are a revelation. There's the sweet hay mingling with the sharpness of cow dung; the musty scent of silage damp with the dew, and the scent of fresh milk that fills the air, marking the completion of a job well done. You wouldn’t get that in a city centre role.

3. Physicality

Dairy farming is an active, physical job, which is the main draw for a lot of people. Each day presents a set of physical challenges that vary from mending fences to leading a calf into the barn. There's satisfaction and sense of pride at the end of each day when the fatigue sets in - a reminder of the work completed.

4. Changing Seasons

A dairy farmer lives by a seasonal calendar. From new life in spring to the harshness of winter, each season brings a mix of challenges and rewards. 

5. Wisdom of Ages

There's something enduring about working in an industry as ancient as agriculture, where wisdom and experiences are passed down from generation to generation. A dairy farmer doesn't just learn from books; they learn from people around them, from the land, and from the animals. A lot of farmers come from generations of farming families, however, this is changing and we need more new entrants into the farming industry. Karl Franklin, one of our #CareersInAg ambassadors is a great new entrant, you can follow his inspiring journey through his Instagram.

6. Providing for Others

Milk is a huge part of a lot of people’s day to day diet and it’s a labour of love. From nurturing a calf to training a heifer, from the soil that feeds the grass to a clean barn, every step ensures that the milk is supplied to the people who need it.

7. Animal Management

To be a dairy farmer is to be an observer, a skilled handler, a psychologist, and protector all rolled into one. The bond formed between dairy farmers and their cows is unique. It’s a relationship that requires an ability to read body language.

The life of a dairy farmer may seem an obscure choice in the modern world, but for those who feel the need for an active job, in the outdoors and taking in nature, it offers a career that can be very fulfilling. Dairy farming is an industry that demands hard work but rewards with the genuinely joyous feeling of being part of a process as old as time itself.

For anyone considering a pivot to a career path less-travelled but deeply-grounded, the world of dairy farming could be for you. You can see what vacancies are currently available here