Milk production specialist
"I believe and hope that the appreciation of Finnish food production will increase further, which will make it possible for both farmers and those working in advisory tasks to continue working in the future."
- Sanna Minkkinen
- Milk production specialist in ProAgria Keski-Suomi.
- Graduated as Bachelor of Natural Resources from the Jamk Institute of Bioeconomy.
- Eight years of work experience in the field.
Briefly explain what you do for a living.
My main task is farm production and feeding control related to milk production. Together at client farms, we go through production results, look for development areas and make plans to improve results. In feeding planning, I help the client choose the right feeds for the right animal groups and select the most suitable complementary feeds alongside home feeds. I also prepare feed comparison and feed consumption calculations and feeding plans for animals in different age and yield stages. I also provide cropping planning and EU subsidy counselling.
How have you ended up in the profession of your choice?
I ended up choosing this profession purely due to my interest in agriculture and domestic food production.
Describe your typical working day or week.
My work week consists of client meetings, office work and remote meetings with clients, colleagues and partners.
What kind of work environment or working hours do you have?
I primarily work between 7:00 and 16:00 on weekdays. You may need to be flexible during busy times. My home office or a ProAgria office are my working environments. When visiting clients, work is done both in the cowshed and at the field’s edge and at the table in the house.
What kind of competence or qualities are required in the profession?
This work requires interest in agriculture, self-development and continuous learning of new things. Self-direction and stress tolerance are also needed.
What is the best thing about your profession?
The best thing is the freedom and flexibility, as I can mostly plan the content and schedules of my working weeks myself.
What are the downsides of the profession or what seems challenging?
During the season and other busy times, the work can be hectic from time to time. The work is also quite independent, and you may not see your colleagues for long periods of time.
What would you tell a person considering the profession of a milk production specialist?
The sector needs young, innovative, bold and competent specialists. Although the work is very independent, you have the support of a nationwide network of skilled colleagues.
How do you see the future of your profession?
I believe and hope that the appreciation of Finnish food production will increase further, which will make it possible for both farmers and those working in advisory tasks to continue working in the future.