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Milker Technician certificate

Dairy farming is an important part of B.C. agriculture. The average dairy farmer milks from 100 to 130 cows, although some farms have milking herds of over 300 head. Competent milkers are in demand in the dairy farming areas of both B.C. and other provinces. 

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 parlour. 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 Technician program prepares students for this type of employment. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a Milker Technician certificate.

Entrance requirements

1. Good physical health.

2. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.

3. Applicants must satisfy the English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see English language proficiency requirement in the Admissions section of the calendar.

4. Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.

5. Permission of the Agriculture Technology department.

Students 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.

Program requirements

To fulfill the requirements for the Milker Technician certificate, students must complete all course work, including two dairy farm practica. With instructor's consent, both practica may be completed at the same host farm, if the practica are designed to progressively develop the student's competence in milking and its attendant responsibilities, on a commercial dairy farm.

How to apply

You may submit an application at any time; this program begins in January.

Submit your application fee, along with your UFV application for admission form, to the Office of the Registrar (OReg). You can apply online or download an application form at ufv.ca/admissions/admissions/apply. Application forms are also available from any OReg or Student Services office.

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

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 Technician program is only offered in the winter semester. You must complete all required courses with a minimum grade point of 2.0 (C) in order to receive a Milker Technician certificate.

All students will be required to work without remuneration in the UFV barn and/or on host-farm sites during the program. During practica, you can expect a combination of early morning milkings (around 4 am start) and afternoon milkings (around 4 pm start). Practicum I may be worked during regular term time, before and after classes, if suitable arrangements can be made. Otherwise, AGRI 192 and AGRI 292 will follow completion of on-campus studies. 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 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: Additional courses in artificial insemination and agricultural welding are recommended but are not certificate requirements. Information on outside agencies offering these courses can be obtained from the Agriculture Technology department. Approximate cost for these outside courses is $550 each. 

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.

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