Farm milk controller

Farm milk controllers are responsible for measuring and analysing the production and quality of the milk and providing advise accordingly. 

The following job titles also refer to farm milk controller:

dairy milk analyst
farm milk monitor
dairy milk controller
farm milk controllers
farm milk analyst

A high school diploma is generally required to work as a farm milk controller.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Farm milk controller is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to farm milk controller.

poultry sexer
mixed farmer
pig breeder
cattle breeder
equine yard manager

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of farm milk controller. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of farm milk controller with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

animal hydrotherapist
animal massage therapist
taxidermist
air pollution analyst
desalination technician

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of farm milk controller.

• Livestock reproduction: Understand natural and artificial reproduction techniques, gestation periods and birthing for livestock. Understand the humane destruction of relevant animals in accordance with national legislation.
• Quality criteria for livestock feed production: Quality assurance approaches, procedures and systems to allow for analysis of feeds and feed ingredients and determine their nutritional value. Evaluation of the functioning of a feed analysis laboratory and of its compliance to international standards.  
• Milking operations: Understand the appropriate milking operations, systems and techniques.
• Animal welfare legislation: The legal boundaries, codes of professional conduct, national and EU regulatory frameworks and legal procedures of working with animals and living organisms, ensuring their welfare and health.
• Animal welfare: Universally recognized animal welfare needs as applied to species, situation and occupation. These are:
  • need for a suitable environment
  • need for a suitable diet
  • need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
  • need to be housed with, or apart, from other animals
  • need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
• Regulations for hygiene in feeding animals: The body of regulations that require feed business operators to comply with standards of hygiene and traceability and the registration and approval of their establishments.
• Dairy animal production: Understand the life cycles of the animal in relation to milk production and the technical and economical aspects of milk production.
• Livestock feeding: Food given to domestic animals in the course of animal husbandry.
• Livestock species: Livestock species and relevant genetics.
• Animal species: The characteristics of different species and breeds of animals (relevant to the occupation).
• Livestock selection principles: Selection criteria of livestock and determination of livestock classes.

These skills are necessary for the role of farm milk controller.

• Prepare milk samples: Label and store samples clearly to ensure smooth operation of the quality control system.
• Provide advice to farmers: Provide technical and economical advice in order to optimise the quality and production of agricultural products.
• Protect health and safety when handling animals: Protect health and welfare of animals and their handlers.
• Supervise hygiene procedures in agricultural settings: Ensure that hygiene procedures in agricultural settings are followed, taking into account the regulations of specific areas of action e.q. livestock, plants, local farm products, etc.
• Analyse milk control test results: Analyse and document milk control test results in relation to professional standards and business requirements. Efficiently use milk testing software and interpret the results.
• Provide livestock advice and guidance: Through observation and analysis on the farm, propose options, possible solutions, types and levels of advice required based on the customer’s needs and by using appropriate techniques and methods.
• Perform milk control tests: Conduct and report on quality tests on milk samples taking into account regulatory aspects.
• Advise on livestock productivity: Advise on improving livestock health and productivity, strengthening efficiency and value of the livestock by using appropriate methods and taking into account the livestock species.
• Select livestock: Tag, sort and separate animals by purpose and destination taking into account the condition of the animal and relevant legislation

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of farm milk controller. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Consultation methods: Techniques used to facilitate clear and open communication and the provision of advice between individuals, communities or the government, such as discussion groups or one-on-one interviews.
• Genetic selection programme: The methods used to plan and carry out a genetic selection programme for selected species of fish, molluscs, crustaceans and others.
• Customer relationship management: The customer-oriented management approach and basic principles of successful customer relations that focus on interactions with customers such as technical support, customer services, after-sales support and direct communication with the customer.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of farm milk controller. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Maintain relationship with customers: Build a lasting and meaningful relationship with customers in order to ensure satisfaction and fidelity by providing accurate and friendly advice and support, by delivering quality products and services and by supplying after-sales information and service.
• Establish customer rapport: Gain customer interest and trust; establish relationships with wide varieties of people; communicate in a likeable and persuasive style; understand and respond to the individual desires and needs of customers.
• Train employees: Lead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the performance of individuals and groups in organisational settings.
• Conduct public presentations: Speak in public and interact with those present. Prepare notices, plans, charts, and other information to support the presentation.

7515 – Food and beverage tasters and graders

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References

1. Farm milk controller – ESCO