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Breeder Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

... breeding/insemination processes • Monitor, test and care for pregnant sows • ssist with weaning of piglets and movement of animals between barns and departments. • Prepare the farrow rooms ...

A Breeding Technician is responsible for assisting with all daily aspects of swine breeding, including maintaining breeding and farrowing targets, daily artificial insemination (AI) breeding, semen ...

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Breeder information

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$14

$24

$37

How much do breeder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for breeder in Minnesota is $24.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.00 and $28.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a breeder?

To thrive as a Breeder, you need a solid understanding of animal genetics, health, and husbandry, often supported by experience or formal education in animal science or agriculture. Familiarity with breeding management software, record-keeping systems, and relevant animal health certifications is common. Attention to detail, patience, and strong observation and communication skills help breeders monitor animal well-being and coordinate with veterinarians or clients. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the health, genetic quality, and ethical treatment of animals while meeting breeding goals.

How do you become an animal breeder?

To become an animal breeder, you typically need knowledge of animal care, breeding practices, and genetics, which can be gained through education or hands-on experience. Many breeders start by volunteering or working with experienced breeders, and some pursue certifications or courses in animal husbandry to improve their skills and credibility.

What is a breeder?

Breeders are professionals who specialize in mating animals or plants to produce offspring with specific desirable traits. They may work with a variety of species, including dogs, cats, horses, livestock, or plants, depending on their area of expertise. Breeders carefully select parent stock based on health, temperament, appearance, or yield, adhering to ethical guidelines and breeding standards. Their responsibilities often include caring for the animals or plants, maintaining health records, and ensuring proper genetic diversity. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of the breed and meet specific industry or hobbyist standards.

Is being a breeder a job?

Yes, being a breeder is a recognized profession involving the care, breeding, and management of animals such as dogs, cats, or livestock. Breeders often work in specialized facilities or private settings and may need knowledge of animal health, genetics, and local regulations. It can be a full-time career requiring skills in animal handling and sometimes certifications or licenses.

What challenges do breeders face when working with different animal breeds?

Breeders often encounter challenges such as managing the specific health and behavioral needs of various animal breeds, ensuring proper genetic diversity, and maintaining breed standards. Each breed may require tailored care, specialized nutrition, and unique environmental conditions. Additionally, breeders must stay updated on best practices and veterinary guidance to prevent hereditary diseases and ensure animal welfare. Collaboration with veterinarians and breed associations is often essential to address these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Breeder vs Veterinarian?

AspectBreederVeterinarian
Required CredentialsOften no formal degree, may have certifications in animal careDoctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and licensing
Work EnvironmentAnimal breeding facilities, farms, or pet storesVeterinary clinics, hospitals, or animal clinics
Industry UsageBreeding animals for sale, show, or researchProviding medical care, diagnosis, and treatment for animals

While both Breeders and Veterinarians work with animals, Breeders focus on breeding and raising animals, often with minimal formal medical training. Veterinarians provide medical diagnosis, treatment, and health care, requiring advanced degrees and licensing. Their work environments and industry roles differ significantly, with Veterinarians playing a crucial role in animal health and Breeders specializing in animal reproduction and development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Breeder jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Breeder jobs in Minnesota are:
What job categories do people searching Breeder jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Breeder jobs in Minnesota are:
Infographic showing various Breeder job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,308 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Breeder Operator - Twins Farm - Perham, MN - Jennie-O

Hormel Foods Corporation

Perham, MN • On-site

$20.85/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Hormel Foods rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 98 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

177th of 435 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Breeder Operator A

Full Time - Hourly

  • Applicants must not now, or at any time in the future, require employer sponsorship for a work visa.
  • Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer. 
  • Must be 18 years of age or older

At Hormel Foods, base pay is one part of our total compensation package.  The base hiring pay for this role is $20.85 per hour.

PURPOSE:

To perform all daily Breeder farm activities, and bird handling activities associated with caring for live breeder turkeys, hatching eggs, and farm equipment as outlined and described in department operating manuals.  To also help fellow employees with safety, productivity, and cost control by providing personal involvement in Breeder farm management and operating decisions/problem solving.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES:

  • Perform daily chores on a Breeder farm as outlined in the farm's work routine.  Wash and adjust waterers, start feedlines, adjust feeder pipes and feeders.  Remove dead and injured birds from the flock.

  • Participate and be responsible as a member of a work group in 8-12 egg gatherings per day, which include egg sanitizing, grading, and traying of all hatching quality eggs.

  • Responsible for accurate accounting and record keeping for eggs packed, eggs culled, cooler room temperatures, cooler room humidities, internal cooler egg temperatures, broody control recordings, and mortality.

  • Qualified in the task of handling mature breeder hens individually for the control of broodiness.

  • As trained and assigned, drive breeder hens on insemination days in such a manner that is consistent with animal care (best management practices).

  • As trained and assigned, maintain nest litter and/or pads in clean and proper conditions according to communicated specifications.

  • As trained and assigned, condition and maintain floor litter according to communicated specifications.

  • As trained and assigned, perform catching, cracking, and shooting activities with the insemination activities participants.

  • Continually follow all Breeder farm sanitation/isolation policies and procedures as outlined through personal example and enforcement. 

  • As a Breeder farm team member, be responsible for helping to maintain a safe work environment for yourself and fellow employees by immediately communicating and/or taking other actions to eliminate safety hazards at work.

  • As trained and certified, operate farm machinery.

  • Attend on-farm or off-farm training and/or information meetings as assigned.

  • Report to and work on other farms or departments as assigned.

  • Based on aptitude, be willing to learn and participate in daily breeder flock(s) service activities.

  • Perform other duties as instructed and assigned.

  • Manage facilities, flocks, and bird handling activities in a manner consistent with established animal welfare guidelines. Give input and guidance to improve animal handling and care processes.

    MINIMUM HIRING SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Must be qualified in the task of handling mature breeder hens individually for the control of broodiness.

  • Able to perform catching, cracking, shooting activities of mature breeder hens and catching mature breeder toms.

  • Must have reliable means of transportation to and from assigned farm.

  • Good previous attendance records (school and/or previous employment).

  • Able to work weekends and holidays.

  • Possess a level of math, reading, and writing skills adequate to successfully perform the job.

  • Able to lift up to 35 lbs from floor to waist height frequently, with occasional lifts from floor to full extension.

  • Able to wear eye and respiratory protection equipment on a continuous basis.

  • Able to walk on uneven surfaces.

  • Able to meet all Breeder farm sanitation/isolation requirements.

    PREFERRED HIRING SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Valid drivers license with good driving record.

  • High school diploma or equivalent.

  • Two years on farm or working with livestock experience.

  • Possess the desire and willingness to advance into a salaried position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Able to read operating manuals and/or company programs and policies.

  • Able to operate farm machinery.

  • Able to do math (addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication) at a level adequate to keep accurate farm records.

  • Able to wear eye and respiratory equipment continuously.

  • Able to walk on uneven surfaces frequently.

  • Able to shower daily and when occasionally traveling between farms and flocks.

  • Able to work alone frequently.

  • Able to twist, stoop/bend, and/or squat frequently.

  • Able to climb ladders and stairways occasionally.

  • Able to lift and carry below waist level up to 80 lbs of dead weight occasionally.

  • Able to lift up to 80 lbs of live and/or dead weight from floor to waist height frequently with occasional lifts from floor to full extension.

  • Able to grasp and pinch with both hands frequently.Able to push rolling carts in ranging weights of up to 500 lbs occasionally.

  • Able to work 5 days/week with varied hours/day and days/week as scheduled (Saturday and Sunday work required on a rotating schedule basis).

  • Able to communicate with Supervisor, coworkers, and other team members.

  • Able to work both inside and outdoors in varying degrees of temperature and humidities, which are primarily dependent on seasonal weather conditions.

What you will receive:

  • Competitive pay with pay increases
  • You will be trained on all equipment and procedures to prepare you for your role
  • Extraordinary benefit package including medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage. Eligible for health care plans after 30 days of employment!
  • Life & disability insurance, PTO, paid holidays, 401K, pension, stock purchase plan.
  • Continuing education and FREE two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees and much more.
  • Advancement opportunities
  • Employment with a solid employer - People stay here for the great employee experience and the long-term opportunities available.

Hormel Foods provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.

Hormel Foods provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.

About Hormel Foods - Inspired People. Inspired Food.
Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue. Its brands include PLANTERS, SKIPPY, SPAM, HORMEL NATURAL CHOICE, APPLEGATE, WHOLLY, HORMEL BLACK LABEL, COLUMBUS, JENNIE-O and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America's most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World's Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement - Inspired People. Inspired Food. - to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit hormelfoods.com.


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