Welcome to the Minor Dairy Farm Adviser!

You can combine this minor with a 15 ects minor Entrepreneurship and Farm Succession (AEFS) in period 2 to complete semester 1. International students can also combine this minor with a Placement in the Netherlands (APNL). 

Are you passionate about dairy farming and eager to develop your skills in advisory roles? Our minor program offers a comprehensive education in dairy farm management and advise, designed for students for external applied universities or Aeres Applied University who wish to develop their knowledge in dairy farming.

Why Choose This Minor?

In-Depth Knowledge: Gain extensive insights into dairy farming, including nutrition, breeding, and housing to obtain 15 ECTS during from September till November

Advisory skills: Learn how to become a successful advisor in the primary sector, specializing in pig farming.

Practical Experience: Engage in practical assignments and case studies that prepare you for real-world challenges.

Topics in this minor are:

Farm advise:

Develop quick-scan and advisory reports, and provide written and oral advice on tactical management.

Dairy Genetics:

Predict the effects of breeding decisions, explain genomic selection, calculate heritability of traits, and understand inbreeding and crossbreeding.

Dairy Nutrition:

Explain the relationship between feedstuffs and digestibility, evaluate nutritional value, and understand nutrition-related problems.

Dairy Health:

Analyse factors responsible for farm-related diseases, advise on preventive measures, and understand antibiotic resistance.

Advisory Skills:

Provide oral advice to dairy farmers and manage practical skills on a dairy farm.

Roughage production:

The student will gain comprehensive knowledge in grassland and fodder crop management, including grass growth, species identification, grazing practices, and roughage production. They will learn the principles of fertilization, calculate fertilization advice, and understand the effects of nitrogen fertilization on yield and forage quality. Additionally, they will recognize mineral deficiencies in plants and their impacts.

Join us in this exciting minor and take the first step towards a rewarding career in the dairy industry.

After completing this module, students will be equipped to act as consultants or advisers. They will develop skills in farmer communication, data collection, data analysis, and the formulation of advice that aligns with the farmer’s objectives. As part of the module, students will prepare a tactical management advisory report and present their recommendations in a structured advisory meeting with the farmer.

 Furthermore, students will be able to critically reflect on the knowledge and competencies gained from the module. They will apply these insights to their own practical needs and professional ambitions, with the overarching goal of enhancing farm management practices and advisory services within the dairy sector.

The student is currently studying animal husbandry either within or outside the Netherlands. They grew up on a farm, are working on a farm, or have a strong interest in animal husbandry.

 Students of the Aeres Applied University Dronten following: ‘Dier- en veehouderij’, ‘Agrarisch ondernemerschap Dier- en veehouderij’ or ‘Varkens- en pluimveehouderij’ are not admitted to this minor. External students or other Aeres students are welcome to join!

Academic year 2026-2027: this minor will be offered in period 1, 1st semester (autumn) of the 2026–2027 academic year. 

Autumn in the weeks (day to be determined): 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 1, 2

Assessment is based on exams, reports, and presentations.

This minor can be combined with another 15 ects minor: Entrepreneurship and Farm Succession (AEFS) to complete semester 1. International students can combine the minor also with a Placement in the Netherlands (APNL).

The student is expected to be available and present at the company during the week. The schedule will consist of lessons, guest lectures, training sessions, and assignments in the field.

More details about the minor can be found in the study guide, which can be requested.

Capacity/Waiting List: This minor has a minimum students.  The maximum number of students is 15.