November 4–15, 2026
Know dairy cattle? Love the Royal? This might be the best gig at the show.
Dairy Farmers of Ontario is looking for experienced dairy people to join our animal care team at the 2026 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. You’ll help care for four milking cows and two calves at our Dairy Education Centre, working alongside an experienced Animal Care Lead and DFO team. Our cattle are a major part of the visitor experience, so we need people who know cows, understand dairy routines and take pride in exceptional animal care.
You know cows
This isn’t a learn-as-you-go livestock position. We’re looking for people with hands-on dairy cattle experience who are comfortable:
• Milking and safely handling dairy cows
• Feeding, watering and following established feed and care protocols
• Recognizing normal cattle behaviour and identifying when something doesn’t look right
• Handling and caring for both mature cows and young calves
• Keeping cattle comfortable, clean and show-ready
• Maintaining clean pens, bedding, floors and milking areas
• Working as part of a team and following the direction of our Animal Care Lead
Our cattle will be in the public eye, including during live milking demonstrations, so attention to detail matters. The animals and their environment need to look exceptional throughout the Royal.
Work the Royal and enjoy the Royal
Yes, you’ll be working — but you’ll also be at the Royal! When you’re off shift, you’ll have access to the rest of the Royal and everything the show has to offer. Explore the exhibits, competitions, food, shopping and entertainment, and experience the Royal from the inside.
Stay at Hotel X
Coming from outside Toronto? We’ve got you covered. Herdspeople will be provided with accommodation at Hotel X for the duration of their assignment, making it easy to stay close to the action without worrying about the daily commute.
What you bring
• You must be 18 years of age or older
• Solid, hands-on dairy cattle experience
• Confidence milking and handling dairy cows
• A strong commitment to animal care and welfare
• Reliability — the cows are counting on you!
• A positive, professional and team-focused attitude
• Steel-toed boots or shoes
• A willingness to pitch in and keep our space looking its best
We provide team apparel, the cattle, the crowds and one of the most exciting agricultural environments in Canada. You bring the dairy know-how.
Why join our herd
Cows. The Royal. A great dairy team. Hotel X. And access to enjoy the show when you’re off duty.
It’s a unique opportunity to put your dairy skills to work, meet people from across the industry and help show thousands of Royal visitors what excellent dairy animal care looks like.
If you’re 18+, know cows and love dairy, we want you on our team. Come work hard, have fun and experience the Royal from the inside!
Contact: Audrie Bouwmeester, audrie.bouwmeester@milk.org, 647-321-2942