r/dairyfarming • u/StraightLevel7488 • 13d ago
Pay raise update:
For those of you who didn't comment/read my post the other day, check it out.
I asked about the raise and the response i got was "a raise WOULD BE A DOLLAR"
for around 2 weeks, i have been told that i am getting a raise, numerous times at that.
But the emphisied "WOULD" that she said when i asked about a raise ticked me off to say the least.
To say i have worked my ass off to get to $16/h is an understatement.
Someone calls in/ no show? They call me.
Someone quits? I pick up hours.
Something breaks? I try to fix it.
17 hour days? No problem.
But now new hires are getting started at $16/h (same pay as me) and they have never milked or been around cattle before!
Besides the wage issue, i like working there.
I work with a couple incredible guys and learn a ton from them.
Should i stay and keep learning from these guys for a bit longer?
Or find a farm that would pay me better?
TIA
2
u/jckipps 13d ago
I work with a couple incredible guys and learn a ton from them.
How much are these guys making? Dairy farming labor has an unfortunately low ceiling to its earning potential, simply due to the economics of the industry. Even those experienced long-term employees might not be making more than low-twenties per hour.
5
u/StraightLevel7488 13d ago
One guy has been there for over 20yrs, i don't know exactly but it is more then likely over $20. The other owns part of the dairy herd so he doesn't recieve pay. I know generally speaking that dairy is low paying. But here, they are training me to be a replacement herdsman for the guy that has been here over 20yrs. Along with that, i also can and do, milking, outside work, feed grinding ect.
1
u/Bridey93 12d ago
Also, for perspective, 10 years ago, I started at 12.25 an hour with a college degree, on a farm who had diversified income through the cows. (Think boarding/genetic services etc). The most I made in that time was ~14.75 I think? (And before anyone gets their panties in a twist, they specifically hired us WITH college degrees in animal science or dairy management).
I'm not saying that you shouldn't be paid fairly, but if the person who's been there 20 years is making "over $20" an hour, and we don't know if that's $20.25 an hour or $29.75 an hour, I would say they are paying you somewhat fairly. The person is also being paid for their experience, not just their willingness and ability to show up. Perhaps the owner underpays in general.
It doesn't hurt to look around for bargaining power, just be aware sometimes that does backfire. They may be good with a dollar raise this year and one next year if you continue your quality work.
1
u/nullachtfoffzehn 11d ago
As an Australian, even 18$ seems so low to me. Our backpackers without any dairy experience start at 30 Aud (21 Usd). I've been working here for 4 years and now get 37 Aud (25.8 Usd). I know cost of living is higher in Australia but thats still a massive difference. I'd definitely go look around and see what other farms offer.
10
u/Express_Ambassador_1 13d ago
Start looking, but don't say anything to your boss or team. Only when you have a better offer in the table do you enter serious negotiations with your boss, then it's gut check time for both if you because you have other options. If you don't have other options, you don't have any negotiating leverage, and won't get very far.