INSTITUTIONS OFFERING DAIRY PRODUCTION LISTED AT THE BOTTOM
WHAT IS DAIRY PRODUCTION AND WHO IS A DAIRY PRODUCER?
Dairy production is a branch of agricultural sciences that deals with the rearing of animals for milk production. It involves the breeding and raising of dairy animals, primarily cows but also goats and sheep, for their milk and the various dairy products processed from it like fermented milk, yogurt, cheese and butter. A dairy producer is a person who rears dairy animals on a farm or ranch, specifically for milk production.
WHERE DO DAIRY PRODUCERS WORK?
Dairy producers work on farms that rear dairy animals. Most of these farms are owned by dairy companies such as Zambeef Products Ltd, Parmalat Zambia Ltd, Dairy Gold Ltd, Creambell Zambia and Finta Farms Ltd. Examples of farms where dairy producers are employed include Kalundu Dairy Farm, Kasembo Farms, Kamfinsa Dairy Farm, etc. Dairy producers can start their very own dairy farm where they produce milk and milk products that they can then supply to dairy companies and other food and beverage companies that produce foods such as chocolate, butter, cheese, sour milk, yogurt, cream, custard, baby formula, the list goes on.
WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THEIR WORK?
Dairy producers carry out various tasks which include the collection of milk from animals (milking), and cleaning of the milk parlor along with the utensils used for milking. They also ensure that storage tanks for milk storage are in proper working order. Furthermore, they collect milk samples which they test to make sure that the milk is free from contamination with disease causing germs.
Dairy farmers check on the health of dairy animals by monitoring for signs of potential disease. They review the pens and surrounding areas to make sure they remain hygienic which reduces the risk of injury and disease. In addition, they supply food and water to their animals and ensure that the supplies remain well stocked so that the animals never go hungry. This allows the animal to continue producing high quality milk. The dairy producers also make recommendations about which breeds of cows to use for higher milk production as well as higher income.
WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF A DAIRY PRODUCER?
The day of a dairy producer on a farm begins quite early, as early as 05:00hrs. This is so that they can prepare the milking parlour and start the milking process. In dairy companies, the work schedule may follow the normal schedule of 08:00hrs – 17:00hrs from Monday to Friday.
WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?
Finding a job in a dairy company might prove challenging especially for someone with little or no job experience. In most cases, jobs are found on commercial farms with a dairy section and on local dairy farms. However, dairy farming is highly profitable and as a dairy producer one can start up their own business.
WHAT SORT OF CAREER PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?
Dairy farmers are people who enjoy being outdoors and doing hands-on farm work. You should also have an interest in taking care of farm animals.
INSTITUTIONS OFFERING DAIRY PRODUCTION LISTED AT THE BOTTOM
WHAT SUBJECTS ARE COVERED IN THE PROGRAM?
A dairy production course at a higher learning institution covers wide range of courses including; animal anatomy and physiology, animal nutrition, applied animal nutrition, beef production and dairy production.
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
The entry requirement for this program is a full grade 12 certificate, five O’ levels.
WHAT OTHER PROGRAMS CAN MAKE YOU A DAIRY PRODUCER?
Other programs that you can study to be a dairy producer include Animal Science which is offered at diploma and degree level and General Agriculture at diploma level.
WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?
After obtaining you certificate in dairy production, you can advance your qualifications by studying for diploma or degree in general agriculture or animal science. These qualifications broaden your knowledge and skills from just dairy animals in particular to include other farm animals such as poultry, beef cattle, pigs, horses etc. This will increase your chances of getting a job in the government or in a big company that not only produces dairy animals but other animals as well.
INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER DAIRY PRODUCTION
PALABANA DAIRY TRAINING INSTITUTE
Duration: 2 years (Certificate in Livestock Production)
Mode: Full time
Intakes: January
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 211 233648 / +260 976 980709
WhatsApp: +260 976 980709