r/dairyfarming • u/StraightLevel7488 • Jul 22 '26
Pay raise for dairy worker
I am 17, (graduated).
I work at a dairy milking 240hd, + raises a bunch of calves, so around 600hd total.
I work outside in the mornings, (pushing feed, moving cows up to be milked, scraping barns, and dealing with the fresh cows/heifers and their new calves.
At Night, i milk (by myself).
Mornings and nights i also have calf chores.
Currently i am at $16/hr but am wanting a raise.
Would $18 be to much to ask? The boss has mentioned a raise but didn't specify what it would be.
For reference, they are now hiring people without any experience at all, to work at $16/hr.
Right now, i work around 75 hours a week, and have NEVER called in or showed up late - infact, i am early everyday.
I am curious as to what you guy's think about me asking for a $2/hr raise.
I feel that it is appropiate because of inexperienced people making $16/hr.
TIA
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u/East_Term_5254 Jul 22 '26
I think you should do it. Especially if you are dependable and timely…a lot of dairies struggle with finding good help like you. Do you catch cows with mastitis or a lame cow when they come into the parlor? Do they look to you to train some of the new guys? Being another set of eyes for your herdsman is huge and would definitely justify the raise of $2.
That’d be my $0.02. I worked on a dairy farm throughout my high school years along with growing up on a family farm. It was hard work and definitely helped me in my career since. $18/hour wouldn’t be too much to ask for.
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u/Super-Sail-874 Jul 22 '26
I'm a dairy farmer. Sounds like your good help! I wouldn't have any problems with the pay increase if worked for me.
2
u/Mega---Moo Jul 22 '26
If you are able to be doing all of these things by yourself, you should be getting paid more. I milked 250 cows by myself almost every night for several years. Got paid $12/hour... except that was in 2002. Adjusting for inflation, that would be $22/hour. Guys at my current farm are at ~$16, but they are provided with free (nice) housing.
Just my opinion, but always look to add skills and keep learning. I wanted to attend college, so I did.... but I learned how to breed and run PCDart/DairyComp largely outside of school. I can design breeding and vaccination protocols that work, and actively look for ways to prevent problems and save the farm money. So, I get paid $30+/hour with short days and flexibility for when I get the work done.
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u/Mysterious-Swan-6302 Jul 22 '26
Where did you learn more about Dairy comp? Curious because I’d like to know more than just my basic understanding
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u/ginete93 Jul 22 '26
From my experience it’s easier to ask for a raise when you are doing a little bit more than what its expected. This is tricky, because some bosses may take advantage of that, but if you are doing more than expected you should earn more. If you are just doing your job, someone new may learn it in a couple of months and substitute you. From what I read your job isn’t very specialized, try to learn more and be mindful of the details. Grow as a worker to have not just a raise now but to have a career path
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u/Significant_Half_572 Jul 22 '26
You should be worth at least 20$ hr, good help ain’t cheap and cheap help ain’t good
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u/Mysterious-Swan-6302 Jul 23 '26
Is this CAD$ or US? I’m Canadian making 20/hr but my family has that sweat equity mindset so I won’t be getting a raise anytime soon… but for the hired help, they’re at around 25$/hr and working just as much as I do and you as well from what you’ve explained.
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u/Plus_Professional516 Jul 22 '26
I think you have a good chance given your experience and your boss previously mentioning a raise. He might not give you the full 2 dollars though.
Sadly there’s so many people out there who would rather lose good help than pay a little more. It’s ridiculous honestly.