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Dairy Farm Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Ornua is a purpose-driven, values-led co-operative creating value for Irish dairy farming families through our global operations. With 10 business units, 16 production facilities, and in-market teams ...

Quality Lab Technician

Byron, MN · On-site

$19.75 - $25/hr

Ornua is a purpose-driven, values-led co-operative creating value for Irish dairy farming families through our global operations. With 10 business units, 16 production facilities, and in-market teams ...

Ornua is a purpose-driven, values-led co-operative creating value for Irish dairy farming families through our global operations. With 10 business units, 16 production facilities, and in-market teams ...

Holden Farms strives to be the nation's most progressive, innovative, collaborative pork producer. At Holden Farms, we pride ourselves on teamwork, personal growth, and opportunity. If you seek a ...

Holden Farms strives to be the nation's most progressive, innovative, collaborative pork producer. At Holden Farms, we pride ourselves on teamwork, personal growth, and opportunity. If you seek a ...

... farm crew duties such as operate dump truck and auger for litter removal, remove litter, replace new shavings, sanitation in any area, operate high pressure washer to remove debris from houses ...

This role is part of our Dairy Food business who creates dairy products that stand for real, simple goodness. We believe there's power in every drop of milk our farmers produce, and by improving ...

This role is part of our Dairy Food business who creates dairy products that stand for real, simple goodness. We believe there's power in every drop of milk our farmers produce, and by improving ...

This role is part of our Dairy Food business who creates dairy products that stand for real, simple goodness. We believe there's power in every drop of milk our farmers produce, and by improving ...

This role is part of our Dairy Food business who creates dairy products that stand for real, simple goodness. We believe there's power in every drop of milk our farmers produce, and by improving ...

Night Bagger Operator

Zumbrota, MN · On-site

$17.50 - $21/hr

General Purpose: The Bagger Operator is responsible for assisting the dryer operator and dryer utility rover. Ensuring the customer receives safe, sealed, and quality cheese powders while meeting DFA ...

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Dairy Farm information

See Rochester, MN salary details

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$23

How much do dairy farm jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for dairy farm in Rochester, MN is $18.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $20.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dairy farm worker?

Dairy farm workers are individuals responsible for the daily care and management of dairy cattle, ensuring they are healthy and productive. Their tasks typically include feeding and milking cows, cleaning barns, monitoring animal health, and maintaining farm equipment. They play a crucial role in the production of milk and other dairy products by ensuring high standards of animal welfare and milk quality. Dairy farm workers may also assist with breeding, calving, and basic veterinary care. This job often requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and a passion for working with animals.

What are jobs on a dairy farm?

Dairy farm jobs focus on caring for dairy cows, extracting and preparing milk, overseeing the logistics of the farm, and performing equipment maintenance. A dairy farmer may perform multiple duties on a smaller farm. As a farmer or farm manager, you work to oversee milking operations and cattle care, manage milk storage and transport, and handle other production tasks. Milkers or farm hands perform the milking duties, and a technician maintains the necessary equipment. Barn hands clean cow stalls, let cows out to pasture each day, and ensure that they return at night. Drivers take milk from holding tanks to processing facilities to be pasteurized.

What are some common challenges faced by dairy farm workers and how can they be addressed?

Dairy farm workers often encounter challenges such as long, physically demanding shifts, working in varying weather conditions, and maintaining the health and wellbeing of livestock. Time management and attention to detail are essential, especially when it comes to milking schedules and monitoring animal health. Many farms address these challenges by providing training on animal care, establishing clear safety protocols, and fostering a supportive team environment to share workloads and problem-solving responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dairy farm worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dairy Farm Worker, you need knowledge of animal husbandry, basic veterinary care, and experience with farm machinery, often supported by a high school diploma or agricultural training. Familiarity with milking equipment, feeding systems, and herd management software is typically required. Strong attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the health of the herd, efficient farm operations, and high-quality milk production.

What is the difference between Dairy Farm vs Dairy Farm Worker?

AspectDairy FarmDairy Farm Worker
Primary RoleOversees dairy operations, manages staff, and ensures farm productivityPerforms daily tasks like milking, feeding, and animal care
CredentialsMay require farm management experience or certificationsTypically requires basic agricultural or animal care knowledge
Work EnvironmentFarm settings, often involving management responsibilitiesFarm settings, focused on hands-on animal care
Industry UsageUsed for managerial or supervisory roles in dairy farmsRefers to operational roles involving direct animal handling

The main difference is that a Dairy Farm is a managerial or operational entity overseeing the entire farm, while a Dairy Farm Worker is involved in the hands-on daily tasks of animal care. Both roles are essential in dairy production but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

How to work at a dairy farm?

To work at a dairy farm, applicants typically need physical stamina, basic animal care knowledge, and sometimes prior experience or training in agriculture. Jobs may involve tasks such as milking, feeding, cleaning, and maintaining equipment, often requiring adherence to safety and hygiene standards. Some positions may require certifications or knowledge of farm management tools, and work schedules can be early mornings or long hours depending on the farm's needs.

What job categories do people searching Dairy Farm jobs in Rochester, MN look for?

The top searched job categories for Dairy Farm jobs in Rochester, MN are:

What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Dairy Farm jobs?

Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Dairy Farm job openings:

Infographic showing various Dairy Farm job openings in Rochester, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,418 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Production Associate - 1st shift

Ornua

Byron, MN

$20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

JOB TITLE: PRODUCTION ASSOCIATE CAREER LEVEL: S1 FUNCTION: OPERATIONS REPORTS TO: PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR LOCATION: BYRON, MN POSITION TYPE: FULL TIME SCHEDULE: MONDAY – THURSDAY, 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM, OVERTIME AS NECESSARY PAY: $20.50


Ornua is a leading dairy company and the proud owner of premium dairy brands enjoyed by consumers around the world. With annual revenues exceeding $3.7 billion and a global workforce of approximately 2,800 employees, Ornua operates across 10 business units and 12 production facilities spanning Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Africa.

In North America, Ornua is focused on delivering high-quality dairy products and ingredients to retail, foodservice, and food manufacturing customers. The company supports the growth of globally recognized brands, including Kerrygold, while also providing innovative dairy ingredient solutions to meet evolving customer needs.

Backed by a strong global supply network and deep dairy expertise, Ornua combines the strength of an international organization with a commitment to local markets, customers, and communities. Through its manufacturing facilities, commercial teams, and customer partnerships across the United States and Canada, Ornua continues to drive growth, innovation, and excellence throughout the dairy industry.

At Ornua, our success is built on our people, our values, and our commitment to delivering quality products and exceptional service to customers every day.

WHY THIS ROLE IS VALUABLE As our Production/Sanitation Associate, you will have the opportunity to take ownership of the production of our cheese manufacturing operations. In this hands-on position you will be directly influencing in maintaining the highest standards of quality, food safety and operational efficiency. Your contributions will strengthen our operations, support our culture of continuous improvement, and help Ornua deliver high-quality products enjoyed by consumers around the world.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

  • Open barrels, block, or bags of cheese and other ingredients
  • Weigh the ingredients to the specified amount per individual batch sheets
  • Use knives and wires to cut and trim the ingredients to the correct weights
  • Transfer ingredients from the scale to the pick-up tables
  • Heavy lifting and the ability to load cheese into grinders is required
  • Palletize finished product at the end of the packaging line
  • Any other duties as requested or assigned

KEY REQUIREMENTS Minimum Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Ability to communicate in English
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Authorization to work in the US

Desired Qualifications

  • Solid work history is a must
  • Prior food manufacturing experience preferred but not required
  • Knowledge of GMPs (Good Manufacturing Process)
  • Basic math skills

PHYSICAL DEMANDS This role requires regular standing, walking, bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 60 pounds. Employees must be able to perform repetitive motions and safely operate equipment while following all safety and quality procedures.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in a food manufacturing facility with variable temperatures — cooler warehouse areas and warmer production zones. The environment includes exposure to moving equipment, moderate to loud noise levels, and required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety shoes, hearing protection, gloves, and hairnets.

WHY ORNUA? Ornua is a purpose-driven, values-led co-operative creating value for Irish dairy farming families through our global operations. With 10 business units, 16 production facilities, and in-market teams across the world, we operate through two divisions — Ornua Foods, which markets our iconic consumer brands including Kerrygold and Pilgrims Choice, and Ornua Ingredients, which provides innovative, customized dairy ingredient solutions to our customers.

  • Our Values lie at the core of everything we do. Our five values encourage us to Seek and Embrace New Ideas, Make It Happen, Be Our True Selves, Show You Care, and Achieve Great Things Together.
  • We invest in our people and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
  • Career progression opportunities, including global mobility.
  • Comprehensive benefits with region-specific offerings.

TOTAL REWARDS

Total Rewards at Ornua Ingredients North America will include a competitive salary and quarterly bonus scheme for production. The following are a list of other benefits you can avail of: low employee contribution for Medical, Vision and Dental benefits cover; 401k; Paid Time Off; Maternity Leave (20 weeks); Parental Leave; Reward & Recognition program; Volunteering opportunities; Long Service Awards.

Ornua is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be provided with equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or genetic information. Ornua is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact Ornua People Services at 833-450-2385 or peopleservicesus@ornua.com.

This employer participates in E-Verify, a federal program that verifies the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. As part of the hiring process, information provided on your Form I-9 will be submitted to the E-Verify system. E-Verify compares your information to records maintained by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration. For more information about E-Verify, please visit www.e-verify.gov.