Pathway
Dairy Grazier
Dairy Grazier youth apprentices gain skills related to the use of managed pastures and sustainable farming practices, managing livestock herds, grazing and milking. Apprentices must adhere to industry safety and security standards.
Length of Apprenticeship: One year. Youth apprentices must have completed Animal Fundamentals prior to beginning this youth apprenticeship
Job Competencies
Youth apprentices must complete a total of 13 competencies per year. Twelve must be from the list below. If necessary, employers can substitute up to 1 competency per year with another occupationally appropriate skill. That skill should be added to the competency list for assessment. Note that where necessary, skills can be simulated. Note: The successful completion of Animal Fundamentals is required prior to starting this pathway.
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- Handle animals in a herd
- Observe animal health in herd
- Manage milk operations
- Follow strategies to optimize the amount of food that comes from the pasture
- Develop a plan to extend grazing season
- Establish pasture production volume
- Select plants, grasses, and legumes, etc.
- Manage break of grass
- Fertilize pastures based on soil nutritional needs
- Identify pasture plants and weeds
- Assess soil needs based on the types and conditions
- Maintain soil conditions and fertility
- Follow holistic goal setting and planning practices
Related Instruction
Students must enroll in 1 High School Credit or 3 College Credits of related instruction each year they participate in the Youth Apprenticeship program.
Purpose of Related Instruction
The purpose of choosing a related instruction course is to ensure students are learning technical and academic skills that support the student’s ability to perform their work tasks. This should be done concurrently with on-the-job training to make relevant connections between learning competencies and work.
Choosing Related Instruction
You will collaborate with your YA Coordinator and School Counselor to determine the most appropriate option for related instruction. A course within your high school directly related to the career pathway is ideal, especially if dual credits and/or hours related to a potential registered apprenticeship are offered.
If there is not a directly related course in your school district, related instruction in the same career cluster is also acceptable.
If there is not a course within that career cluster in your school district, you may request to register for a college course through the Start College Now program with a local technical college, Early College Credit from a local university, or from an alternative provider such as Destinations Career Academy.
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- Animal Science
- Large or Small Animal Science
- Veterinary Science
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Agribusiness
- Business or Consumer Math
- Statistics
- Technical Math or Math for the Trades
- Oral/Interpersonal Communication
- Speech
- Technical Writing & Communication
- Written Communication
- Computer Literacy
- Computer Science
- Career Development/Employability Skills
- Entrepreneurship or Intro to Business
- Independent Living
- Leadership and Civic Engagement Courses
- Personal Financial Literacy or Consumer Economics
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- Animal Science Fundamentals
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- Animal Science I & II
- Vet Science
- Ag Biotechnology
Post Secondary
There are numerous opportunities to continue your education after completing the Youth Apprenticeship program.
Registered Apprenticeships
The Animal Fundamentals pathway can bridge into a registered apprenticeship as Dairy Grazier
College and University
- Major in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the Universities of Wisconsin.
- Enroll in the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources program at the Wisconsin Technical College System.