Dairy Grazing Apprentice program - Now in partnership with the SWNY team!

The Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) is a non-profit organization that partners with established grazing dairy farmers, universities, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders to deliver high-quality work-based training in managed-grazing dairy production in multiple states. DGA is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor-Employment and Training Administration. It provides a pathway for aspiring dairy farmers while offering experienced dairy graziers an opportunity to share their passion. Apprentices are engaged in full-time, paid employment while comprehensively trained in running a grazing dairy operation.

HOW TO BECOME A MENTOR? TRAIN AN ASPIRING FARMER & GAIN A COMMITTED EMPLOYEE

Mentor graziers are grass-based dairy farmers who have demonstrated excellence in managing pasture cows and are committed to mentoring the next generation of dairy. Your apprentice will support your farm's labor needs over two years as they acquire on-the-job training and grow increasingly skilled with your mentoring. Apprentices also become more proficient as they complete 300 hours of off-farm related technical instruction—a requirement for graduating from Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship. Related instruction includes online coursework and other educational events. If you and your apprentice agree to it, you also have the option to continue your apprentice's employment at your farm after they graduate. DGA will also provide educational support throughout the apprenticeship period, including training resources and access to workshops and events catered to Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship.

Is this for you?

• Must have five years of successful grazing experience OR be a Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship graduate with three years of grazing experience beyond the program
• Must ensure that apprentice is trained in core work processes OR employ a full-time qualified individual to supervise and train an apprentice
• Must provide a safe work environment and full-time employment with compensation (check details of compensation here) until the completion of the program (2 years).
• Whether or not an individual meets the above qualifications will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship National Apprenticeship Committee.

Visit the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship national site to learn everything you need to know about becoming a mentor grazier and how to apply. If you have questions or want additional information, please get in touch with Camila Lage at cd546@cornell.edu or 607-422-6788.

BECOME A DAIRY GRAZING APPRENTICE

Apprentices come from all walks of life. Some are farm kids who want to go deeper in their training on the home farm or want to work on another operation to gain a different perspective. Some are seeking a career change. Some are recent graduates interested in learning a trade that connects them to the earth and the food system in powerful ways.

• Must have a high school diploma or higher or GED, or a composite score of at least 18, or comparable Accuplacer test scores in math and reading
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be physically able to perform the work of the trade with reasonable accommodations and without hazard to themselves or others
• Must have reliable transportation to and from work and school
• Managing dairy cattle in a grazing system
• Managing milking operations
• Managing dairy cattle nutritional requirements
• Managing pastures for optimal production
• Managing natural resources in a grazing system
• Managing farm business operations to meet financial goals

Apprentices receive training in the following major work categories. Training largely occurs on the job, complemented by 300 hours of related instruction through online courses and educational events.

APPLY. To get started, first create a user account here. Then follow the steps to create your online profile.

MATCH. Apprentices choose their preferred areas of placement by zip code. Approved mentor graziers search an online database for an apprentice who will match their operation well.

TRAIN. Apprentices learn from those who know dairy farming best. Mentor graziers prepare employees for management, partnerships, and eventual ownership.

If you have questions or want additional information, please get in touch with Camila Lage at cd546@cornell.edu or 607-422-6788.

References:

https://pasafarming.org/become...

https://pasafarming.org/become...

https://www.dga-national.org/participate-masters#:~:text=MINIMUM%20QUALIFICATIONS,to%20supervise%20and%20train%20Apprentice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?...