School of Agriculture, Plant, and Animal Sciences

Dairy Farm Management

The college’s 500-acre working farm and registered Holstein herd are integrated into all facets of the program and students are active participants in the management and operation of the farm. Practical experience at the farm is an especially valuable aspect of the program for students who lack a farm background. Additional coursework in accounting, finance, and computer applications help broaden students’ understanding of Dairy Farm Management.

Students may also apply for admission to the Farm and Agricultural Resource Management Stewards (FARMS) program offered in cooperation with the University of Vermont. FARMS students make a seamless transition from Dairy Farm Management at Vermont Tech to a second two years at the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM. Full-tuition scholarships are available to Vermont students in the FARMS program.

Students who complete a degree in Dairy Farm Management can transfer seamlessly into bachelor’s programs in Business or Diversified Agriculture.

Graduates of this program possess the skills and knowledge needed to operate a modern dairy farm. They frequently return to their home farms, are employed as herd managers, or work as breeding technicians, DHIA testers, or Peace Corps volunteers.

A student with an Associate of Applied Science in Dairy Farm Management will be able to:

  1. Apply knowledge of the dairy industry to effectively and professionally communicate technical information in writing, speaking, listening, and interpersonal skills to work as part of a team and interact with clients, the public, and industry professionals
  2. Apply knowledge of dairy science and technology to dairy industry problems that require extensive practical knowledge
  3. Understand dairy cow nutrition and ration evaluation
  4. Understand dairy reproduction and breeding systems
  5. Understand heifer-raising
  6. Manage dairy cow transition from dry to lactating
  7. Understand forage production and management
  8. Understand dairy operation budgeting
  9. Combine knowledge of the dairy industry with practical aspects of organizing and managing a small business, marketing, applying accepted accounting practices, managing a dairy operation budget, and writing a business plan for a dairy operation

Curriculum Details

year
1
year
2

Job Projections

NATIONAL AVG.
-6%
DAIRY FARMING
-1%
That Translates Into

952,300

JOB OPENINGS BETWEEN 2019 - 2029

Openings data: Estimated High-Skilled Job openings annually (source: USDA).

Projected Employment Growth for Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agriculture Managers, 2019-2029 (source: BLS)

Placement Rate

100%

VTC

vs

N/A

NATIONAL

Vermont Tech data: 6 Month Outcome Survey, Class of 2019. National Data: National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) First Destinations for the College Class of 2018 (October 2018)

Employers

  • ABS Global
  • Bonnieview Farm
  • Border Acres
  • Bourdeau Bros. Inc.
  • Butlerholm Farm
  • Cellars at Jasper Hill
  • Champlainside Farm
  • Chapman Family Farms
  • Chimney Point Farm, LP
  • Choiniere Family Farm
  • Clark Farm
  • Covered Bridge Farm
  • Crosswinds Dairy
  • D Wible Property Management
  • Davis Farms
  • Evelon Farm
  • Feed Commodities International
  • Gray's Hilltop Farm
  • Hamilton Farm
  • Hildene Lincoln Family Home
  • Hillcrest Farm
  • L.F. Hurtubise & Sons
  • Middlebury College
  • Nelson Boys Dairy
  • Nelson Farms
  • Rowley Brothers Dairy
  • Select Sires
  • Stanley Farms
  • Vermont State Colleges System
  • Vermont Technical College

Job Titles

  • Owner
  • Farm and Cheesemaking Intern
  • Herd Manager
  • General Manager
  • Farm Partner
  • Dairy Farmer
  • Head of Lawncare Crew
  • Farm Laborer
  • Groundskeeper
  • Farm Hand
  • Goat Herdsperson
  • Farmer
  • Milker
  • Technician
  • Market Garden Manager
  • Assistant Herdsman
  • Manager
  • Intern

Hillary Mitchell

• VAST program graduate • Interested in going out west and working on a ranch and logging • Participate in as much as possible!
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news

  • 11
    Aug

    August 11, 2021 Effective Friday, August 13 all faculty, staff, students, and visitors are required to wear a mask when indoors on campus at any Vermont Tech location. This is in accordance with the CDC’s latest recommendations. This decision follows our recent announcement to mandate a COVID-19 vaccine of all enrolled students. The latest research on the Delta variant shows…

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  • 16
    Jul

    Today, the Vermont State Colleges System Board Chair, Chancellor, and Presidents held a press conference to announce the new legislation that creates several scholarship programs for Vermonters. Thanks to the Legislature and Governor, Vermont is funding several incredible opportunities for high school graduates and adult learners at the Vermont State Colleges this year. We are grateful, especially to the Legislature,…

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  • 18
    Jun

    Vermont Tech is flying high, and it’s not just among its Professional Pilot program students. The college has been included in Newsweek Magazine’s The 100 Community Colleges With the Most Bang For Your Buck list. Ranking at 39, Vermont Tech is cited for the $1,050,000 40-year net present value, or a comparison of investing in a Vermont Tech education to…

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Rachael Burt

  • I picked Vermont Tech for the 2+2 program
  • I enjoy doing anything outside; hunting, fishing, and camping
  • I have met some of the best people I know through my Ag classes
Read full profile

Louie Terwilliger

  • I love animals
  • I like learning in a hands-on environment
  • I commuted to campus
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Brendan Rowley

  • I work on a 4th-gen family farm
  • I participated in the 2+2 program
  • I received a wide range of experience
Read full profile

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