Dairy Farm Worker
Nagelhaven Farms Ltd. — Springfield, Ontario
Company Overview
Nagelhaven Farms Ltd. is a family-owned dairy operation located in Springfield, Ontario, in the heart of Elgin County’s productive agricultural region. Situated at 6413 Pigram Line, our farm has been a cornerstone of the local dairy community for generations, producing high-quality milk that supplies processors and consumers across Ontario.
We operate a modern dairy facility that combines traditional animal husbandry values with contemporary production standards. Our commitment to cow welfare, environmental stewardship, and sustainable farming practices has earned us a respected reputation among dairy producers in Southwestern Ontario.
At Nagelhaven Farms Ltd., we believe that our people are as important as our animals. We are dedicated to providing a safe, supportive workplace where employees can develop valuable skills in dairy production, animal care, and farm management. Whether you are new to agriculture or an experienced dairy worker, we welcome your contribution to our farm’s continued success.
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Job Description
Nagelhaven Farms Ltd. is seeking a dedicated and hardworking Dairy Farm Worker to join our milking and herd care team in Springfield, Ontario. This is a full-time permanent position offering $17.60 per hour with comprehensive training provided for candidates new to dairy farming.
As a Dairy Farm Worker, you will be responsible for the daily care and management of our dairy cattle herd. Your duties will include milking cows, feeding and watering, cleaning barns and stalls, monitoring animal health, and assisting with breeding and calving activities. You will work closely with experienced farm staff who will mentor you in proper milking techniques, cow handling, and farm safety protocols.
This role is physically demanding but deeply rewarding for individuals who enjoy working with animals and being outdoors. Whether you grew up on a farm or are completely new to agriculture, we welcome your application if you bring a strong work ethic, reliability, and a genuine interest in dairy production.
Key Responsibilities
- Milk cows manually or using automated milking machines, ensuring proper teat preparation and post-milking hygiene
- Feed and tend dairy cattle according to established nutritional programs and feeding schedules
- Monitor water supply systems and ensure cows have continuous access to fresh, clean water
- Sort and handle cows safely for milking, veterinary treatment, breeding, and hoof care
- Clean and disinfect milking equipment, barns, stalls, and feeding areas to ensure hygienic conditions
- Bed livestock areas with straw, sawdust, or sand as directed to maintain cow comfort
- Monitor cow health and behaviour, identifying sick or injured animals and reporting concerns to the herd manager
- Assist with breeding activities including heat detection and artificial insemination preparation
- Assist with calving operations, providing care for cows during birth and ensuring newborn calves are safe and warm
- Process calves including ear tagging, navel dipping, and colostrum feeding under supervision
- Administer medications, vaccines, and supplements as directed by the herd manager or veterinarian
- Operate and maintain farm machinery including tractors, feed mixers, skid steers, and manure handling equipment
- Monitor and adjust barn environmental controls including ventilation, lighting, and temperature
- Follow all bio-security, animal welfare, and food safety protocols including proper milk handling procedures
- Complete daily milk production records, feeding logs, and animal health documentation
Qualifications & Skills
Required
- No formal education required — will train suitable candidates
- Physical ability to perform demanding tasks including lifting up to 50 lbs, standing for long periods, and working in warm, humid barn environments
- Comfort working in an indoor barn setting with exposure to animal waste, dust, and strong odours
- Basic English communication skills to understand safety instructions, follow protocols, and complete records
- Ability to work early mornings (milking typically starts at 5:00 AM) and occasional weekends
- Legal eligibility to work in Canada
Preferred
- Previous experience working with dairy cattle, beef cattle, or other livestock in a farm or barn setting
- Knowledge of dairy production cycles including lactation, dry cow management, and calf rearing
- Familiarity with milking machine operation and basic maintenance
- Experience with farm machinery operation including tractors and skid steers
- First Aid and CPR certification
- Class G driver’s license
Personal Attributes
- Compassionate and patient attitude toward animals with commitment to high welfare standards
- Strong work ethic and punctuality — cows require milking twice daily, 365 days per year
- Attention to detail in observing cow behaviour, milk quality, and health indicators
- Ability to work independently and as part of a close-knit team in a barn environment
- Commitment to cleanliness and sanitation to ensure milk quality and food safety
- Willingness to work flexible hours including early mornings, weekends, and emergency call-ins during calving season
Salary & Benefits
- Competitive hourly wage of $17.60 with regular performance reviews
- Permanent full-time employment with year-round stability
- Overtime compensation at 1.5x regular rate for hours exceeding 44 per week
- Statutory holiday pay and vacation entitlement per Ontario Employment Standards
- Comprehensive on-the-job training in milking, cow care, and barn operations
- Safe work environment with provided personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Opportunity for career progression to specialized dairy worker or supervisory roles
- Workers’ compensation coverage through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
- Employment Insurance (EI) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions
- Potential for housing assistance for workers relocating to the Springfield area
Job Location
Primary Location: Nagelhaven Farms Ltd., 6413 Pigram Line, Springfield, Ontario, Canada (N0L 2J0)
Springfield is a rural community located in Elgin County, Southwestern Ontario, approximately 20 kilometres southwest of St. Thomas and 30 kilometres southeast of London. The area is surrounded by productive farmland and is part of Ontario’s vibrant agricultural heartland, with strong traditions in dairy farming, crop cultivation, and livestock production.
The region offers a peaceful rural lifestyle with affordable housing, close-knit communities, and easy access to larger centres such as St. Thomas, London, and Tillsonburg. Springfield is well-connected by Highway 3 and Highway 4, providing convenient access to essential services and amenities.
Work Environment: Indoor barn facilities with ventilation and automated systems. Exposure to animal waste, dust, ammonia, and strong odours. Physical proximity to dairy cattle (cows weigh 600–800 kg). Some tasks require working in confined spaces and at heights (hay lofts). Milking shifts are typically early morning (5:00–9:00 AM) and late afternoon (3:00–7:00 PM).
Start Your Career in Dairy Production
Join Nagelhaven Farms Ltd. in Springfield, ON. No experience required — we provide full training in modern dairy farming.
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📧 careers@nagelhavenfarms.ca
We review all applications within 48 hours
Summary
The Dairy Farm Worker position at Nagelhaven Farms Ltd. offers a genuine entry point into Canada’s vital dairy industry. At $17.60 per hour, this full-time permanent role provides fair compensation for essential work that includes milking, feeding, tending, and caring for dairy cattle in Springfield, Ontario.
With no formal education or experience requirements, this position is accessible to anyone with a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn. Nagelhaven Farms Ltd. provides comprehensive training in milking procedures, cow handling, barn sanitation, and equipment operation, making this an ideal opportunity for career changers, new Canadians, or young workers seeking their first job in agriculture.
Career progression is possible with experience — many dairy farm workers advance to specialized roles such as herd manager, breeding technician, or farm supervisor. If you are physically fit, reliable, and passionate about working with animals, we encourage you to apply today.
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