Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Ventilation Systems • Parlor Automation • Feed Efficiency

Breeding Programs

Term from Farming industry explained for recruiters

Breeding Programs are organized systems used in farming and agriculture to improve plant varieties or animal herds. Think of it like carefully planning families to get the best traits in future generations. Farmers and agricultural specialists use these programs to develop crops that grow better, produce more food, or resist diseases, or to raise livestock that produces more milk, meat, or other desired qualities. This is similar to how dog breeders select dogs with specific characteristics, but on a larger, more scientific scale for farming purposes. Other terms that mean the same thing include "selective breeding," "genetic improvement programs," or "agricultural breeding initiatives."

Examples in Resumes

Managed Breeding Program for 500-head dairy herd, improving milk production by 15%

Implemented new Breeding Programs for drought-resistant corn varieties

Supervised Breeding Program development for organic farming operations

Coordinated Breeding Program for heritage wheat varieties

Typical job title: "Breeding Program Managers"

Also try searching for:

Breeding Program Specialist Animal Geneticist Plant Breeder Livestock Breeding Manager Agricultural Breeding Coordinator Genetic Improvement Specialist Farm Breeding Manager

Where to Find Breeding Program Managers

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Online Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop a long-term breeding strategy for improving milk production while maintaining animal health?

Expected Answer: A senior breeding manager should discuss creating balanced programs that consider multiple factors like genetics, nutrition, health monitoring, and data tracking systems. They should mention the importance of working with veterinarians and maintaining detailed records.

Q: What experience do you have managing large-scale breeding programs and what were the outcomes?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience with managing multiple breeding lines, understanding of genetic selection, and ability to show measurable improvements in production or quality. Should include examples of successful programs they've managed.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you track and measure the success of a breeding program?

Expected Answer: Should explain use of record-keeping systems, performance metrics (like growth rates, production levels, disease resistance), and how to analyze this data to make breeding decisions.

Q: What factors do you consider when selecting breeding stock?

Expected Answer: Should discuss evaluating health records, production history, physical characteristics, and genetic traits. Should mention importance of diversity and avoiding inbreeding.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic principles of animal or plant breeding?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic concepts of inheritance, trait selection, and the importance of record keeping. Should demonstrate understanding of breeding cycles and basic genetics.

Q: How do you maintain accurate breeding records?

Expected Answer: Should describe systems for tracking parentage, dates, health records, and outcomes. Should understand importance of detailed documentation and organized record-keeping.