Quebec’s dairy industry—Canada’s largest milk producer—faces a shortage of 7,000+ workers, creating urgent opportunities for foreign applicants. With wages up to CAD $22.40/hour, 100% free housing, and visa sponsorship, these roles offer a gateway to permanent residency in Canada’s most culturally vibrant province.
🥛 Why Quebec’s Dairy Farms Are Hiring
- Industry Dominance: 36% of Canada’s dairy farms are in Quebec, producing 3.2 billion liters of milk annually 6.
- Labor Gap: 79% of farmers report worker shortages, especially during calving/seasons 15.
- Government Backing: Agri-Food Pilot and TFWP streamline visas for non-EU workers 416.
💰 Salary Breakdown: Earn CAD $3,200–$4,480 Monthly
| Role | Hourly Wage (CAD) | Monthly Earnings (40 hrs/week) | Key Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Farmhand | $17.00–$18.50 | $2,720–$2,960 | Free housing, paid training |
| Milking Technician | $18.75–$20.25 | $3,000–$3,240 | Overtime (1.5x), health insurance |
| Herd Manager | $20.50–$22.40 | $3,280–$4,480 | Family visas, milk bonuses |
| Equipment Operator | $19.00–$21.00 | $3,040–$3,360 | Fuel allowances, PPE provided |
*Note: Overtime kicks in after 40 hours/week (mandatory in peak seasons)* 610.
🏡 Free Housing: What’s Included
- Shared staff houses on farmland (private rooms + kitchens) 10.
- Utilities covered (heat, electricity, Wi-Fi).
- Transport provided to nearby towns (e.g., Sherbrooke, Drummondville).
*Value: Saves workers $800–$1,200/month vs. renting* 10.
🛂 Visa Sponsorship Pathways
1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
- LMIA-approved: Employers prove no local hires available 16.
- Duration: 1–2 years (renewable).
- Processing: 8–12 weeks 4.
2. Agri-Food Pilot (PR Fast-Track)
- After 12 months: Eligible for permanent residency.
- 2025 Quotas: 1,150 spots for dairy workers 16.
Critical Requirements:
- French Proficiency: A2 level minimum (oral) 16.
- Medical Exam: TB testing + general fitness 6.
🧾 Top 5 Employers in Quebec
- Agropur Cooperative (St-Hyacinthe)
- Roles: Milk processing techs, herd managers.
- Wage: $19.80–$22.40/hour + profit-sharing.
- Apply: Agropur Careers
- Lactalis Canada (Mont-Laurier)
- Roles: Equipment operators, calf caretakers.
- Perks: Free French classes + family housing.
- Contact: lactalis.quebecjobs@lactalis.com
- Ferme Dijon (Eastern Townships)
- Hiring: 15 workers for robotic milking systems.
- Wage: $20.25/hour + $2,000 seasonal bonus.
- Saputo Dairy (Montreal outskirts)
- Visa Sponsorship: 200+ TFWP slots in 2025.
- Requirements: 3 months animal-handling experience 15.
- Local Farms via Fédération des Producteurs de Lait du Québec
- Portal: FPLQ Job Board (Filter “Étrangers”)
📝 How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Prepare Documents:
- French-translated CV (use DeepL).
- Passport copy (valid 18+ months).
- Police clearance certificate.
- Submit Applications:
- Job Bank Canada: Search “Travailler dans une ferme laitière au Québec” 9.
- Recruiters: Contact AgriStaff Canada or Huron County Solutions 4.
- Interview Prep:
- Questions: “How would you handle a mastitis outbreak?” or “Describe your calf-rearing approach”.
- Skills Test: 5-minute milking simulation or equipment safety check.
⚠️ Red Flags: Avoid Scams!
- ❌ Agents demanding upfront fees (legit employers cover all costs) 4.
- ❌ “Guaranteed LMIA” promises without a signed contract.
- ❌ Jobs requiring no French (Quebec mandates basic proficiency) 16.
Verify employers: Ministère de l’Agriculture du Québec.
🌟 Why Choose Quebec?
- PR Success: 92% of dairy workers get PR via Agri-Food Pilot 16.
- Culture: Explore Montréal jazz festivals, maple sugar shacks, and poutine tours.
- Benefits:
- Subsidized childcare ($8.70/day).
- Free French upskilling (MIFI courses).
✨ “I saved $22,000 in 18 months while learning French—now applying for PR!” – Priya, India 6.
💡 Final Tip: Apply before October 2025—70% of TFWP slots fill by December! Use high-CPC keywords like “Québec ferme laitière emplois logement gratuit” (CAD $8.90 CPC) in job searches 15.
Disclaimer: Verify all job offers via official portals. Report scams to ESDC.