Careers in the Dairy Industry

Dairying is Australia's third largest rural industry. The industry generates over $2.5 billion in export earnings for Australia, with a farmgate production value of $3.2 billion in 2006/2007. Over 40 000 people are employed directly on over 8000 dairy farms with a further 60 000 people employed in industries including research, manufacturing and development. Victoria currently accounts for more than 65% of the national milk production and over 80% of Australia's dairy exports.

Careers in the Dairy sector:

Food Processing and Manufacturing
Turning raw ingredients such as milk into food products like ice-cream, yoghurt, cheese and flavoured milk. Managing the people and machines who produce milk and by-products.
Packaging and Handling
Designing and manufacturing packages which are friendly to customers and the environment, look attractive, and still protect the food.
Distribution and Retailing
Managing the distribution of milk and foods to shops and other places to guarantee consumers a fresh and safe milk and food supply.
Market Research
Investigating what customers like to eat, what they prefer to buy and inventing ideas on types of new foods and drinks that people want to buy.
Product Development
Creating new products to cater for changing consumer tastes, people's special nutritional needs and fashions in food.
Food Quality Management
Making sure everything we eat and drink is safe and top quality.
Dairy Farm Management
Managing dairy farms to ensure the best milk production through good breeding, feeding and health.
Nutraceuticals
The production of health products from dairy colostrums and milk.

Courses in Dairy Production and Manufacturing:

Undergraduate (view all)

Bachelor of Agriculture
Bachelor of Science with a major in:
- Agricultural Science
- Biotechnology
- Food Sciece

Associate Degree in Agriculture

Graduate Coursework (view all)

Graduate Research (view all)

Further information on courses or study can be obtained by telephoning the University of Melbourne on (03) 8344 0276 or 1800 815 803 or email courses@landfood.unimelb.edu.au