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

Senior Cattle and Sheep Farm Workers are skilled agricultural professionals who supervise livestock operations on Australian cattle and sheep properties. They combine hands-on animal husbandry with supervisory responsibilities, ensuring the effective breeding, raising, and welfare management of herds and flocks. These workers typically operate under farm managers or proprietors while overseeing junior farm staff.

In the Australian context, this occupation plays a crucial role in maintaining productivity and animal welfare standards across the livestock sector. The position requires substantial practical experience in cattle and sheep production systems, with responsibilities extending to training staff, implementing biosecurity measures, and managing pasture and fodder resources.

Key tasks in practice

Senior Cattle and Sheep Farm Workers perform diverse skilled tasks including:

  • Supervising breeding programs and managing the rearing of calves and lambs to ensure healthy development
  • Developing and implementing feeding plans while monitoring livestock for health and nutritional issues
  • Establishing and maintaining pastures and fodder crops, identifying and addressing plant health problems
  • Overseeing animal health programs including vaccination, drenching, and welfare management
  • Implementing biosecurity protocols to protect livestock from disease outbreaks
  • Supervising daily operations such as mustering, milking, and livestock handling activities
  • Managing maintenance of farm infrastructure including housing, water systems, and fencing
  • Training and supervising junior farm workers while coordinating work routines

Skill level explanation

This occupation is classified at Skill Level 3 in the Australian occupational classification system, indicating it typically requires:

  • AQF Certificate III or IV qualification in agriculture or livestock management, OR
  • At least three years of relevant experience in cattle and sheep farming operations

In practice, most Senior Cattle and Sheep Farm Workers develop skills through extensive on-farm experience rather than formal education. The skill level reflects the combination of technical livestock knowledge, supervisory capabilities, and operational management required for the role.

Industry context

Senior Cattle and Sheep Farm Workers are primarily employed in:

  • Beef cattle farming (ANZSIC 0141)
  • Sheep farming (ANZSIC 0144)
  • Sheep-beef cattle mixed farming operations
  • Agricultural support services (ANZSIC 6620) including livestock management contracting

These workers are found throughout Australia's major livestock regions, with significant employment in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia. The occupation represents a senior operational role within the broader agricultural workforce, often serving as a pathway to farm management positions.