CONTRACT MILKER

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

You will ideally have 3-5 years experience working directly on farm, having gained an overview of all the required elements needed for farm management. You will also have some experience of managing staff.

IDEAL QUALIFICATION

National Certificate in Agribusiness Management, Level 4
National Diploma in Agribusiness Management, Level 4
Certificate in Rural Staff Management (or similar)
Production Management – stage 2
An agricultural science / management bachelor’s degree

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Can do attitude
Punctual
Integrity
Tidy/organised
Works without direction

OVERVIEW

A Contract Milker takes responsibility for the production system and maintains farm infrastructure and machinery. They may employ labour where required and are responsible for the financial management of their own business.

OUTLINE OF ROLE

Contract milker is a self employed role but is paid on a specific dollar value per kilogram of milksolids (e.g. $1/kgMS), therefore removing volatility in their business related to fluctuating payout.

Contract milkers are responsible for defined areas of expenditure and will supply agreed resources e.g. motorbike, machinery or stock. The level of responsibility for a contract milker is less strategic than a farm owner. It requires the knowledge and understanding of farming at the same level as a farm manager, with the added responsibility for financial management of their own business.