Dairy farming is an important part of rural economies. Each cow generates approximately $20,000 of economic activity in the local community each year. But new farmers face significant barriers and are not entering the profession at a rate that offsets the loss of retiring producers. The U.S. loses 5-10% of its dairy farms every year. Because the average age of farmers is 59 years old and many do not have an identified successor, farm loss is expected to continue. Meanwhile mid-career dairy graziers who are seeking to expand and improve their business are also faced with a lack of skilled people who can manage a farm.
Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship is a National Apprenticeship registered with the U.S. Department of Labor-Employment and Training Administration. This innovative training program provides paid employment, comprehensive training in all aspects of owning and operating a managed-grazing dairy operation, and the experience needed to transition to farm ownership.
Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship consists of full time employment, training, and mentorship under an approved Master Dairy Grazier over a period of two years withopportunities for advancement upon completion. A comprehensive DGA Training Manual (or “Job Book”) lays out the competencies that must be met in order to own and operate a managed-grazing dairy farm, providing a blueprint for the mentoring process.
Major work categories are as follows:
- Measure and manage pastures for optimal quality and quantity
- Manage cattle appropriately-heifers/dry cows, calves, milking cows
- Manage milking operations
- Assess dairy nutritional needs
- Evaluate grazing and dairy farm information for effective decision making
- Manage soil and water resources for productivity and health
- Manage farm business operations profitably
To enhance on-farm training and provide networking opportunities, the program incorporates related instruction, including:
- Courses in Pasture Management, Milk Quality, Herd Health, Dairy Nutrition, and Soils, Nutrients & Composting, and Farm Financial Management
- Peer Discussion Groups, Pasture Walks, Farming Conferences., and Networking Opportunities
- Holistic Management and Professional Development Training
Formal courses are taught in online format by accredited partner institutions. (Note: Apprentices are responsible for their own tuition, which is approximately $1,500 over two years and subject to change.)
Each Master-Apprentice pair is assigned a local Education Coordinator, who monitors the mentoring relationship and provides educational support and on-farm technical services. Apprentices not only gain skills, knowledge, and experience but also develop relationships with Apprentices and Masters in their cohort as well as with other dairy farmers, agricultural professionals, and service providers in the local community.
Apprentices graduate to certified Journey Dairy Grazier status, receive additional support services as they advance in their career, and have the option of eventually becoming Masters and taking on Apprentices themselves in this unique farmer training program.
Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship is 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Its training program is a National Apprenticeship registered with the United States Department of Labor-Employment and Training Administration (DOL-ETA). The development of DGA has been supported in part by 2010, 2011, and 2014 grants from the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA. To find more resources and programs for beginning farmers and ranchers please visit New Farmers and Farm Answers websites, which are projects of BFRDP.
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