Milker Training certificate (12 weeks)

Note: This program is not available in 2008/09.

Dairy farming is an important part of B.C. agriculture. The average dairy farmer milks from 45 to 70 cows, although some farms have milking herds of over 300 head. Competent milkers are in demand in the dairy farming areas of the province.

Milking high-producing dairy cows is a responsible job! The good milker handles cows quietly and efficiently, following sanitary procedures and correct milking techniques. The milker ensures sanitation of all milking equipment and cleanliness in the milking parlours. A milker’s duties also often include feeding, care of young stock, barn cleaning and maintenance, record keeping, and machine operation. Work is often divided into a morning and evening shift; sometimes a milker lives on the employer's farm. The full-time Milker Training program prepares trainees for this type of employment. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a Milker Training certificate.

Entrance requirements

1. Good physical health
2. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent
3. Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license
4. Permission of the Agriculture department head

Trainees must provide their own transportation to and from the training farm and be willing to work flexible hours. Persons most likely to succeed will enjoy working with animals. Class attendance at all sessions is mandatory.

When to apply

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year. Qualified applicants are considered for the next intake in which there is space. See Continuous application process for more information.

How to apply

1. You may leave your name with the department or submit an application any time; however, the application deadline for this program is November 12 each year.

Additional documents required for a complete application:
• proof of B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.

2. The Admissions and Records office will inform you if an interview or orientation session is required.

3. The program will only be offered if there is sufficient enrolment. A decision as to whether or not the program will be offered is made in late November, at which time you will be advised whether you have been admitted to the program and whether there is space for you. You will be provided with registration information.

Basis for admission decision

Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted in order of their application date. This date is set when an application, all required documentation, and the application fee have been submitted.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. In addition to tuition fees, you should budget approximately $800 for textbooks, field trips, rubber boots, coveralls, and supplies.

Program description

The Milker Training program is only offered in the winter semester. Students must take all courses concurrently, or have previously completed AGRI 183, 134, and 231 with a grade point of 2.0 (C) or better in each course in order to enroll in AGRI 103 and AGRI 104. You must complete all required courses with a minimum grade point of 2.0 (C) in order to receive a Milker Training certificate.

All students will be required to work without remuneration in the UFV barn and on host-farm sites throughout their 12-week program. Everyone will be assigned a combination of early morning milkings (around 4 a.m. start) and afternoon milkings (around 4 p.m. start) before and after regular classes on the UFV campus. All students must have reliable transportation to and from their host farms and the campus and be able to complete the on-farm work as assigned by the instructor.

Host farmers will assess each milker trainee on such qualities as punctuality, reliability, willingness to follow instruction and to learn, and attitude in working with others and handling dairy animals.

Program outline

Note: Courses in artificial insemination and agricultural welding are recommended. Information on outside agencies offering these courses can be obtained from the Agriculture department. Approximate cost for these outside courses is $550. They are recommended but not required.

Dairy Production Technician Apprenticeship training is also offered at the Chilliwack campus. For information call 604-795-2813.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.

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