Important: This page is an independent reference summary. Verify classification decisions against the official ABS source before using them for tax, licensing, immigration or compliance purposes.

Role overview

Broadacre Crop and Livestock Farmers manage integrated agricultural operations that combine the cultivation of broadacre crops with livestock production. These professionals typically operate across Australia's grain-growing and livestock regions, managing properties that produce both crops like wheat, barley, oats or canola and livestock such as cattle, sheep or goats. Their role involves strategic planning across both enterprises to optimise land use, manage seasonal risks, and maintain sustainable farming practices.

This occupation requires balancing the different seasonal demands of crop and livestock management while maintaining business viability. Farmers in this classification typically make decisions about crop rotation, pasture management, livestock breeding, and resource allocation across their mixed operation. The role combines hands-on farming activities with business management responsibilities, including financial planning, market analysis, and risk management strategies specific to Australian agricultural conditions.

Key tasks in practice

Broadacre Crop and Livestock Farmers perform diverse tasks that integrate crop and livestock management:

  • Managing both crop production cycles (planting, growing, harvesting) and livestock breeding programs simultaneously
  • Implementing integrated pasture and fodder systems to support livestock while maintaining soil health for cropping
  • Monitoring animal health and welfare while simultaneously managing crop health through appropriate cultivation and treatment strategies
  • Developing comprehensive biosecurity plans that address risks from both plant and animal diseases
  • Maintaining and operating specialised equipment for both cropping (tractors, harvesters) and livestock (handling facilities, water systems)
  • Coordinating the marketing and sale of both grain/livestock products, often timing sales to market conditions
  • Managing farm finances with consideration of both cropping and livestock income streams and expenses
  • Supervising staff or contractors who may specialise in either cropping or livestock aspects of the operation

Skill level explanation

This occupation is classified at Skill Level 1 in the Australian occupational classification system, indicating it typically requires a high level of skill and knowledge. In practical terms, this means:

Most positions expect a bachelor degree or higher qualification in agriculture, agricultural science, or a related field. Alternatively, at least five years of relevant experience may substitute for formal qualifications. The skill level reflects the complex decision-making required to manage both cropping and livestock enterprises, including technical knowledge of agronomy, animal husbandry, business management, and environmental sustainability.

Skill Level 1 occupations typically involve managing entire farming operations, making strategic business decisions, and requiring comprehensive knowledge of agricultural markets, technology, and regulatory requirements. This classification level is used in various Australian contexts including migration assessments, employment statistics, and industry workforce planning.

Industry context

Broadacre Crop and Livestock Farmers typically operate within several Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) sectors, primarily:

  • Beef Cattle Farming (ANZSIC 0141) - particularly where cattle are integrated with cropping operations
  • Sheep Farming (ANZSIC 0172) - for mixed wool/meat production alongside crops
  • Grain Growing (ANZSIC 0529) - where livestock form part of the farming system
  • Other Livestock Farming (ANZSIC 0199) - covering mixed livestock operations with cropping

This mixed farming model is particularly common in Australia's wheat-sheep zones across parts of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia. The classification acknowledges the practical reality that many Australian farmers diversify across both plant and animal production to manage climatic and market risks. Employment arrangements vary from owner-operators managing family farms to employed farm managers working for agricultural corporations or investment groups.