Livestock Technician
Why choose Livestock Technician?
- Wisconsin’s strong dairy and livestock industry creates steady demand and high salaries for skilled professionals in animal care, herd health, and nutrition support.
- This career offers a range of paths—from hands-on production roles to technical and consulting opportunities—with room to grow.
- Learn by doing with real animals, real data, and industry tools that prepare you for the workplace from day one.
Program Locations
Marshfield Campus
2600 West 5th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449
Delivery:
Hybrid
Length of Program: One Year
Credits: 27
Start Dates: Fall or Spring
Start at any time or campus by taking general education courses.
What You'll Learn
Mid-State’s Livestock Technician program is ideal for students who enjoy working with animals and want to play a hands-on role in modern agriculture. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in dairy and livestock operations, as well as roles supporting herd health, feeding practices, and farm management.
The program features hands-on learning experiences that prepare you for real-world work in agricultural settings. You’ll practice animal handling, health checks, and feeding strategies while working with industry tools like feed analysis reports and herd management records.
Outcomes
- Apply principles of animal anatomy, physiology, behavior, and welfare to support safe and effective livestock care.
- Evaluate livestock health, identify signs of disease or stress, and implement preventive herd health and biosecurity practices.
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge of animal nutrition, including nutrient functions, feed classification, deficiency signs, and species differences.
- Analyze genetic and production data to support breeding, selection, and herd improvement decisions.
- Develop and communicate integrated livestock management plans that support productivity, sustainability, and sound on-farm decision making.
Technical Standards
Students in this program should be able to meet its specific technical standards. These are the essential skills and abilities needed to be successful in the program, with or without reasonable accommodation. It is important to review and understand these standards before applying to the program.
View Technical Standards For This Program
Employability Skills
- Behave Responsibly: Ethical Behavior, Self-Responsibility, Conflict Resolution, Collaboration
- Communicate Effectively: Writing, Technical Documentation, Listening, Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Reading
- Critical & Creative Thinking: Inquiry, Evidence Collection, Analysis, Reasoning, Reflection (Metacognition)
- Cultural, Social, & Global Awareness: Global Awareness, Social & Cultural Awareness, Social Responsibility
- Use Appropriate Technology: Use of Technology, Confidentiality, Security, Digital Civility
Learn more about employability skills at Mid-State.
Financial Aid Eligibility
This program is eligible for full Financial Aid.
Cost of Attendance
Learn more about Cost of Attendance, an estimated budget that includes categories of expenses a student can expect to incur while attending.
Instructors
TERI RAATZ, BS, MS
Teri holds a BS in agricultural education from UW-River Falls and a master’s in agriculture/ag sustainability from Murray State University. Her love agriculture started in childhood—she grew up on a diversified livestock farm and showed/owned registered dairy cattle. Prior to her 15 years of teaching at Mid-State, Teri taught middle school and high school agriculture for six years. She has also worked at Wisconsin's first ethanol plant in Stanley, Wisconsin, where she was involved in grading and purchasing corn. Teri is actively involved in the Colby FFA Alumni and Supporters, volunteers with the Clark County 4-H, and serves as advisor for the Clark County Jr Holstein Association, and her family owns a small herd of registered dairy cattle that her kids show across the state. She also serves as a member of the City of Colby Board of Appeals.
“I am passionate about all areas of agriculture and bring vast experience in agriculture into the classroom. I enjoy teaching students about the many opportunities available today in the world of agriculture.”
Careers
- Herdsperson
- Livestock Technician
- Animal Care Technician
Fast-Track
High school students are eligible to enroll in this program and all courses required. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track.
Take the Next Step
The agricultural programs at Mid-State have been of great value to me as I start my farming career. The combination of in-class instruction, on-farm guidance, and the ability to network with other farmers has given me the facts and resources needed to meet the demands of the dairy industry. I would definitely recommend these programs for practical-based knowledge.
CHRIS FUCHS
GRADUATE
Choose Your Path
Career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. Earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. Continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree. Explore this program’s pathway in the graphic below. For an even quicker first step to a degree or diploma, check out our short-term certificates.
