Manufacturing & ProductionISCO 7515

Farm milk controller

A farm milk controller is a person who measures and analyses milk production and milk quality on farms, and who advises the farmer on the basis of those results.

Check yourself in a minute: farm milk controller

Rate 5 of the 19 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

prepare milk samples

provide advice to farmers

analyse samples of food and beverages

analyse milk control test results

perform milk control tests

About farm milk controller

The controller carries out milk testing, which covers yield per animal, fat and protein content, somatic cell counts and the indicators of infection in an udder, and analyses food and drink samples to the methods the testing scheme requires. A series of readings shows the course of a cow's lactation and the trend across the herd.

The controller advises farmers and advises on livestock productivity, connecting what the milk shows to what the animals are being fed, how they are housed and which of them should be bred from.

The advice draws on knowledge of animal species, of livestock species and of the quality criteria for livestock feed production, since the composition of milk also depends on how the animals are fed. The controller also pays attention to animal welfare: a drop in yield or a rise in cell count can be a sign that something is wrong with an animal. The work takes place on farms, directly with farmers, and formal requirements are set by the employer.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (19)

livestock reproductionlivestock reproductionThe natural and artificial reproduction techniques, gestation periods and birthing for livestock.quality criteria for livestock feed productionquality criteria for livestock feed productionQuality 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 laborat...milking operationsmilking operationsThe different steps of the milking process and the appropriate milking operations, systems and techniques.animal welfare legislationanimal welfare legislationThe 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 welfareanimal welfareUniversally 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 behav...regulations for hygiene in feeding animalsregulations for hygiene in feeding animalsThe 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 productiondairy animal productionThe life cycles of the animal in relation to milk production and the technical and economical aspects of milk production.livestock feedinglivestock feedingFood given to domestic animals in the course of animal husbandry.livestock specieslivestock speciesLivestock species and relevant genetics.animal speciesanimal speciesThe characteristics of different species and breeds of animals (relevant to the occupation).livestock selection principleslivestock selection principlesSelection criteria of livestock and determination of livestock classes.prepare milk samplesprepare milk samplesLabel and store samples clearly to ensure smooth operation of the quality control system.provide advice to farmersprovide advice to farmersProvide technical and economical advice in order to optimise the quality and production of agricultural products.protect health and safety when handling animalsprotect health and safety when handling animalsProtect health and welfare of animals and their handlers.analyse samples of food and beveragesanalyse samples of food and beveragesExamine if food or beverages are safe for human consumption. Verify the right levels of key ingredients and the correctness of the label declarations and the levels of nutrients present. Ensure sample...analyse milk control test resultsanalyse milk control test resultsAnalyse and document milk control test results in relation to professional standards and business requirements. Efficiently use milk testing software and interpret the results.perform milk control testsperform milk control testsConduct and report on quality tests on milk samples taking into account regulatory aspects.advise on livestock productivityadvise on livestock productivityAdvise 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 livestockselect livestockTag, sort and separate animals by purpose and destination taking into account the condition of the animal and relevant legislation.
Optional (7) — show
consultation methodsconsultation methodsTechniques 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 programmegenetic selection programmeThe methods used to plan and carry out a genetic selection programme for selected species of fish, molluscs, crustaceans and others.customer relationship managementcustomer relationship managementThe 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 supp...maintain relationship with customersmaintain relationship with customersBuild 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 servic...establish customer rapportestablish customer rapportGain 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 c...train employeestrain employeesLead 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 perform...conduct public presentationsconduct public presentationsSpeak in public and interact with those present. Prepare notices, plans, charts, and other information to support the presentation.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

Frequently asked questions

What does a farm milk controller do?

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

What skills does a farm milk controller need?

A farm milk controller needs 19 essential skills, including livestock reproduction, quality criteria for livestock feed production, milking operations, animal welfare legislation, animal welfare.

Will AI replace farm milk controller jobs?

The AI disruption score for farm milk controller is 35/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: prepare milk samples, analyse milk control test results, animal welfare legislation. Most resilient: protect health and safety when handling animals, consultation methods, animal species.

Quick Facts

ISCO GroupFood processing, wood working, garment and other craft workers
Essential Skills19

Is farm milk controller right for you?

Take the free 10-minute Career Portrait to see which career direction fits your motivations and strengths.

Take the free test