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Knowledge, skills and attributes
Coordination Skills
Critical Thinking Skills
Monitoring and Observational Skills
Problem Solving
Strong Leadership
Duties and Tasks
coordinate and manage farming procedures, including collecting livestock, washing, overseeing the shearing process, and milking cows, as well as organising and packing produced materials
keep detailed records of livestock and farming activities as well as movement of livestock and produce
manage a comprehensive budget for farming activities and manage livestock farming staff
manage the overall operations of the farm including managing the food supply, daily activity schedules, enclosure and equipment maintenance, etc.
oversee the health and development of livestock to ensure they are getting appropriate food and developing appropriately
plan production based on sale orders; facilitate sales process with clients and transport livestock and produce
breeding and raising livestock for the production of honey, meat, milk, skins, eggs and wool
providing pastures and fodder to maintain appropriate nutritional levels
moving livestock to optimise feeding opportunities
organising and conducting farming operations such as catching, drenching and milking livestock, sterilising machines, and collecting, grading and packaging produce
directing and overseeing general farming activities such as maintaining pens, sheds and cages, fertilising, controlling pests and weeds, and growing fodder
maintaining fences, equipment and water supply systems
organising the sale, purchase and transportation of livestock and produce
maintaining and evaluating records of farming activities, monitoring market activity and planning production accordingly
managing business capital including budgeting,
taxation, debt and loan management
may select, train and supervise staff and contractors
Working conditions
Livestock Farmers typically work rotating schedules Mondays to Fridays and
may also work weekends to ensure the proper maintenance of the farm,
livestock and production. Livestock Farmers work in outdoor farm
environments with a variety of equipment and materials and should be
prepared to work on their feet for long hours at a time.
Education and training/entrance requirements
You can work as a Livestock Farmer without formal
qualifications, however, livestock farming experience is generally needed.
Training may also be available through VET (Vocational Education and
Training).
Did You Know? (Source: Meat and Livestock Australia) |
Horse Breeders breed and raise horse for competition, dressage, eventing, showjumping, riding for pleasure, and working.
ANZSCO ID:
121316
Specialisations: Serious breeders
typically specialize on one breed of horse eg. thoroughbred horses.
Stud Master/Mistress; Stallion Manager; Brood Mare Manager;
Knowledge, skills and attributes
Breeding, raising and keeping horses is an
expensive pursuit and one that requires a wide variety of knowledge,
skills and abilities if one is to do it correctly. In order to be a
successful horse breeder, you must be extremely knowledgeable and
experienced in areas of equine behavior, management, breeding
techniques, and reproduction.
You will need to be able to handle horses skillfully and confidently
because you may need to facilitate breedings through both artificial
insemination and live cover. This means that you must be confident and
capable of handling mares in heat and powerful and excitable stallions.
You may be required to attend foalings, and you will surely need to be
capable of assisting anytime the veterinarian, farrier or other equine
professional comes to attend your horses.
In addition to hands-on horse handling skills
and knowledge, you also need to be able to manage your staff and keep
business records.
To be a successful horse breeder, you will need solid, working knowledge
of all aspects of horse behavior and health. You will especially want to
focus on subjects such as:
Reproduction
Physiology
Nutrition
Anatomy
Genetics
As a breeder, you’ll want the world to know about the quality of your horses, so you will also need to participate in shows and create advertising materials describing the best attributes of your stallions and mares and the foals they produce.
Hoof care, veterinary care, barn, stable and
fence maintenance, vehicle upkeep, insurance costs, employee salaries
and more are all costs that you will need to take into account when you
are considering breeding horses.
(Source:
Horses & Foals)
Duties and Tasks
breeds and raises livestock for competition, dressage, eventing, show jumping, riding for pleasure and working
maintains the health and condition of livestock
provides pastures and fodder to maintain appropriate nutritional levels
moves livestock to optimise feeding opportunities
conducts farming operations
oversees general farming activities such as maintaining stalls, fertilising, controlling pests and weeds, and growing fodder
maintains fences, equipment and water supply systems
organises the sale, purchase and transportation of livestock
evaluates records of farming activities, monitoring market activity and planning production
manages business capital including budgeting, taxation, debt and loan management
may select, train and supervise staff and contractors.
Working conditions
Physically demanding
Requires driving
Working outdoors
Around 79% of people employed as Horse Breeders work full-time hours, in
all their jobs combined.
Tools and technologies
Just the Job - A Career in Equine Breeding and
Stable Procedures
https://youtu.be/NZ8lAV8pq1o
Education and training/entrance requirements
You usually need livestock farming experience to work as a Horse Breeder. While formal qualifications aren't essential, a Vocational Education and Training (VET) course in horse breeding may be useful.
You should seek out a degree in a subject such as equine reproduction, animal science and/or equine science.
Other Livestock Farmers includes Alpaca Farmer, Camel Farmer, Crocodile Farmer, Dog Breeder, Emu Farmer, Llama Farmer, Ostrich Farmer,
ANZSCO ID:
121399
Knowledge, skills and attributes
Knowledge of breeds
Animal care skills
Patience
Discipline
Attention to detail
Communication skills
Marketing skills
Crocodile hatching (Source: Hartley's Creek) |
Emu Farmers (Source: The Land) |
Llama Farmer (Source: ABC News) |
Ostrich Famer (Source: Victorian Chamber of Commerce & Industry) |
Duties and Tasks
breeding and raising livestock for the production of meat, milk, eggs, skins, feathers, and wool
monitoring and maintaining the health and condition of livestock
providing pastures and fodder to maintain appropriate nutritional levels
moving livestock to optimise feeding opportunities
conduct general and minor farm maintenance jobs (e.g. cleaning paddocks, feeding livestock, halter training the young alpacas and cleaning water troughs).
organising and conducting farming operations such as catching, drenching and milking livestock, sterilising machines, and collecting, grading and packaging produce
directing and overseeing general farming activities such as maintaining pens, sheds and cages, fertilising, controlling pests and weeds, and growing fodder
maintaining fences, equipment and water supply systems
organising the sale, purchase and transportation of livestock and produce
maintaining and evaluating records of farming activities, monitoring market activity and planning production accordingly
managing business capital including budgeting, taxation, debt and loan management
may select, train and supervise staff and contractors
Education and training/entrance requirements
You usually need livestock farming experience to work as an Other Livestock Farmer. While formal qualifications aren't essential, a Vocational Education and Training (VET) course in agriculture may be useful.
Did You
Know? A Dog Breeder is an animal expert who cares for dogs while they produce new litters of puppies. A dog breeder is a professional who mates dogs to produce puppies and matches those puppies to new owners. This typically involves taking care of grown dogs and puppies and helping them find new homes by connecting with potential owners. (Source: NY Scotties) Dog breeders produce and train dogs for shows, companionship or pets, with duties ranging from feeding, grooming and bathing dogs to providing medication, assisting in births, studying up on pedigrees, and maintaining breeding records. Many dog breeders specialize in caring for a particular breed of dog, such as Chihuahuas, Golden Retrievers, Scottish Terriers or Labradors. Duties and Tasks *Select and breed dogs according to their genealogy, characteristics, and offspring. *May require knowledge of artificial insemination techniques and equipment use. *May involve keeping records on heats, birth intervals, or pedigree. |
Pig farmers are responsible for the daily care and management of pigs raised for the pork production industry. Pig farmers manage the care of pigs that will eventually be slaughtered and processed for sale—often for large commercial operations that have thousands of animals on site. These large farms that specialize in one phase of pig growth and production are more prominent than farrow-to-finish farms.
Pig production involves the management of people and financial, technical and natural resources for the profitable production of pigs. Pig production is mainly an intensive farming operation and occurs in all states of Australia.
New technologies and modern management approaches are revolutionising pig production and helping to establish a basis for future investment and growth.
A farm that raises pigs is called a piggery.
There are three main types of pig farms, according to the United States
Department
of Agriculture (USDA):
Farrow-to-finish farms raise piglets from birth to slaughter weight, which is usually 108Kg to 122Kg.
Feeder pig farms raise piglets from birth to somewhere in the range of 4.5Kg to 27Kg, when they are sold to finishers.
Finally, finisher farms buy feeder pigs and raise them to slaughter weight.
ANZSCO ID: 121318
Alternative names: Piggery Enterprise Manager; Piggery Manager;
Specialisations: Pig Farmers may
specialise in the type of pig they produce. Three are common in pig
production - Landrace, Large White & Duroc. The remaining five breeds
tend to be used by outdoor producers: Tamworth, Wessex, Saddleback,
Hampshire, Berkshire and Large Black.
Knowledge, skills and attributes
To be successful in this role, you’ll generally need the following
skills and qualities:
Physical stamina: Pig farmers must be able to be on their feet for long periods of time, lift, and bend—especially those working on small farms.
Analytical skills: Pig farmers must monitor and assess the health of the pigs and quality of the piglets they produce.
Interpersonal skills: Most commercial pig farms require many staff members, and often, pig farmers must be able to effectively supervise and work with others on the farm.
(Source:
Your Career)
Duties and Tasks
The job generally requires the ability to perform the following duties:
Distributing food to pigs
Observing animals for signs of illness and giving medication when necessary
Performing facility maintenance
Checking for proper ventilation and temperature conditions
Assisting with problem births
Performing artificial insemination or other breeding duties
Coordinating waste removal
Transporting stock to farms or processing plants
business monitoring and evaluation
management of the production system
total quality management and control
financial management
product marketing
managing human resources.
Working conditions
The work of a pig farmer may involve being
exposed to the elements and extreme temperatures from time to time,
although commercial pig farming is generally conducted indoors in
climate-controlled buildings.
As with most farming and livestock careers, a pig farmer often must work
long hours that include nights, weekends, or holidays.
Pig farmers also work closely with large animal veterinarians to ensure the proper health of their animals through vaccination and medication protocols. They may also consult animal nutritionists and livestock feed sales representatives while formulating diet plans.
Education and training/entrance requirements
Nearly all pig farmers have (at minimum) a high school diploma, with many holding degrees in areas such as animal science, agriculture, or a closely related field. Coursework for these degrees usually includes courses in animal science, production, meat science, anatomy and physiology, genetics, reproduction, nutrition, ration formulation, technology, business administration, and agricultural marketing.
Poultry Farmers breed and raise chickens, turkeys, ducks and other poultry for eggs, meat and breeding stock.
Most poultry farmers raise one species of fowl
for a specific purpose. Nearly two-thirds of poultry revenues come from
the production of broilers, which are young chickens raised for meat.
Approximately one-quarter of poultry revenues come from egg production.
The remaining poultry revenues are derived from the production of other
species such as turkeys, ducks, game birds, ostriches, or emus.
Most farms that produce broilers are large commercial operations
involved in indoor broiler production. Other types of broiler farming
are free-range broiler production or organic broiler production.
Did
You Know? Terms for Types of Chickens Bantam: A diminutive breed of domestic fowl. Boiler: A chicken 6 to 9 months old. Broiler: A cockerel of 1 - 1.5Kg, at 8 to 12 weeks old. Cock: A male chicken, also called a rooster. Cockerel: A young rooster, under 1 year old. Fryer: A chicken of 1.5 - 1.8Kg, at 12 to 14 weeks old. Hen: A female chicken. Point-of-lay Pullet: A young female, just about to lay, near 5 months old. Pullet: A young female chicken, under 1 year old. Roaster: A chicken of 1.8 - 2.7Kg, over 12 to 14 weeks old. Rooster: A male chicken; also called a cock. A Rooster (Source: Almanac) |
ANZSCO ID:
121321
Alternative names:
Chicken Farmer;
Specialisations: Poultry Farmers can
specialise in egg, meat production or breeding stock.
Knowledge, skills and attributes
Breed selection: knowledge about how and where to order chicks or pullets; know the difference between purebreed and commercial hybrid chicken breeds
Brooding and Chick Care: know how to receive and properly handle day-old chicks
Chicken Health: understand the importance of sanitation and biosecurity on the farm; be familiar with pathogens common to poultry
Nutrition: be familiar with the daily nutrient requirements of all types, stages of poultry
Know how to look after pullets
General management: know how to hold a bird; know how to detect evidence of rodents; know how to differentiate a rooster from a hen or a cockerel from a pullet.
Know the Australian law about the minimum space requirements; understand the role of light and ventilation
Understand the value of manure as fertilizer
Productivity: be able to recognise a productive bird by observing physical signs (such as the comb and legs
Culling poorly performing hens
Food safety regulations when selling eggs
Selling the product: knowledge of the value of eggs
Economics: know how to evaluate the economics of egg production; and meat production
(Source:
Your Career)
Duties and Tasks
Routine responsibilities for a poultry farmer include:
Distributing feed
Administering medications
Cleaning enclosures
Ensuring proper ventilation
Removing dead or sick birds
Maintaining facilities in good working order
Monitoring flock behaviour to detect any signs of illness
Transporting birds to processing plants
Restocking enclosures with young birds
Keeping detailed records
Overseeing various poultry farm employees
Working conditions
Poultry producers work in conjunction with
poultry veterinarians to ensure the health of their flocks. Livestock
feed sales representatives and animal nutritionists may also advise
poultry producers on how to create nutritionally balanced rations for
their facilities.
As is the case with many animal farming careers, a poultry farmer may be
required to work long hours that can include nights, weekends, and
holidays. Work may be carried out in varying weather conditions and
extreme temperatures. Workers may also be exposed to diseases that are
commonly found in poultry waste products, such as salmonella or E. coli.
Education and training/entrance requirements
You usually need livestock farming experience to work as a Poultry
Farmer. While formal qualifications aren't essential, a Vocational
Education and Training (VET) course in agriculture may be useful.
Rodent farming is an agricultural process in which rodents are bred and raised with the intent of selling them for their meat. They are often categorised in a sub-category of livestock known as micro-livestock, due to their small size. In Australia, rat farms provide food for zoos and pet stores.
Australian pet ownership soared
through Covid lockdowns and it wasn't just dogs and cats. There was also
a surge in demand for snakes and lizards. A rat farmer is someone who
farms rats to feed pet reptiles. Rats are good business as they have
large litters with fast gestation times.
ANZSCO ID:
121399
Alternative names: Rodent farmer,
Knowledge, skills and attributes
Knowledge of breeds
Animal care skills
Patience
Discipline
Attention to detail
Communication skills
Marketing skills
(Source:
Everything Reptile)
Duties and Tasks
breeding and raising livestock for the production of animals for reptile industry
monitoring and maintaining the health and condition of livestock
providing fodder to maintain appropriate nutritional levels
conduct general and minor farm maintenance jobs (e.g. cleaning containers, feeding rats, cleaning water containers).
organising and conducting farming operations such limiting number of male rats and only keeping those to fertilise females; keeing male rats apart; grading and separating out rat pups based on size;
directing and overseeing general farming activities such as maintaining containers, sheds and cages, obtaining wood shavings for bedding, cleaning out containers daily,
maintaining equipment and water supply systems
organising the sale, purchase and transportation of frozen rats and produce ie. food for rats
maintaining and evaluating records of farming activities, monitoring market activity and planning production accordingly
managing business capital including budgeting, taxation, debt and loan management
may select, train and supervise contractors especially in maintaining the rats in a frozen state
Working conditions
The containers need to be rat-proof so that they don't escape. The room containing the rats is smelly. You need to be able to "stomach" the fact that you need to kill the rats with food-grade carbon dioxide.
Education and training/entrance requirements
You usually need livestock farming experience to work as an Other Livestock Farmer. While formal qualifications aren't essential, a Vocational Education and Training (VET) course in marketing may be useful.
Additional information
Other than breeding up the rats, you to establish logistics routes and end locations to get the frozen product for sale.
Rat farming sets former
dairy farmer up for retirement | Landline | ABC News
17 March 2023
https://youtu.be/w3hf2Ltoieo
The following
information is taken directly from ABC News 17 March 2023 and is
a transcript of the above video. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-17/farming-rats-woodlane-pet-reptile-food-supply-chain/102063772 Cheryl Martin - Rat Farmer CAMEO It's not everyone's cup of tea, but farming rats
has paid off for former dairy farmer and fruit grower Cheryl Martin.
"It's the most money I've made farming," she said. Cheryl Martin said she sold 10 different sizes
of rats, from one-day-old "pinkies" to "extra large jumbos", which
weighed more than 500 grams.
Cheryl Martin says it took a bit for her to warm
to rat farming.
Rats in demand
"There are people living in country environments who really struggle to
get a good supply, and they pay a real premium for it," Mr Craig said.
Additional Information Murraybridge News 21 December 2021
"Cheryl Martin
stumbled across her unusual niche about seven years ago. |
Sheep Farmers breed and raise sheep for wool, meat
and breeding stock.
This includes the raising of fat lambs, wool growing and harvesting, and
sheep breeding.
Sheep and wool farming involves the production of meat and wool for
profit. Successful farming requires the management of livestock, the
farm property, people and finances. Sheep and wool production is carried
out in all states, and across a wide range of climates.
The Australian sheep and wool industry is one of Australia’s oldest and
best known industries. In the drier parts of Australia, sheep are often
found on very large properties (stations) where they feed on native
shrubs. Mustering and moving (droving) sheep can involve working with
horses, motorbikes and sheep dogs.
In medium to higher rainfall areas, sheep are often found on smaller
properties usually as part of a mixed farming operation. These sheep are
often fed on non-irrigated pastures or on crop residues, and are more
closely monitored and managed.
ANZSCO ID:
121322
Alternative names: Shepherd,
Specialisations: Stud Sheep Farmer,
Wool Grower,
Knowledge, skills and attributes
Sheep health: know how to take a rectal temperature; recognise signs for internal parasites; how to calculate dosage of a vaccine and de-wormer; be able to develop a biosecurity plan;
Birthing: recogise when a ewe is about to give birth; know how to deliver a lamb; attach an ear tag;
Sheep nutrition: understand how digestion works in a ruminant; balance a feed ration for pregnant ewes and feeder lambs; train a lamb to drink from a bottle (when applicable);
Sheep Behaviour: understand how sheep behave in different situations; know how to load sheep onto a trailer; know how to restrain an animal
Breeding and Reproduction: keep production records; understand the basics of articial insemination (AI);
Sheep Facilities and other Farm Facilities: design, adapt and /or select facilities that can be cleaned and disinfected efficiently, know how to provide hay and the storage of hay; know how to check there is efficient water,
Fencing and Pastures: understant the basics of rotational grazing; be able to evaluate a pasture for quantity and quality; how to drive a corner fence post; be able to recogise poisonous plants;
Sale of sheep and sheep products: know how to determine when an animal is ready for market; know the grades of sheep (both quality grades and yield grades); identify marketing options;
Wool: be able to properly prepare sheep for the shearer; know how to properly store wool to maintain quality;
Financial management: how to select an effective financial record keeping system; know where to obtain low interest loans or grants;
Social interactions: know your neighbours; know how to be a positive influence in your community; develop a working relationship with your veterinarian; know how to attract and keep effective farm workers
(Source:
Personalised Sydney Tours)
Duties and Tasks
Sheep farmers organise and manage sheep and wool production, which includes breeding and raising sheep, sale of sheep meat and wool, budgeting and business management, and staff management. They also care for the maintenance of the property including fences, equipment and water supply systems.
Working conditions
Sheep farmers work on the farm in an office setting and outdoors in all kinds of weather. During breeding seasons and prime sales periods they may work long hours. They work with animals that may bite and kick, and operate heavy machinery. This requires them to adhere to occupational health and safety standards to reduce the risk of injury.
Tools and technologies
Sheep farmers use heavy equipment such as tractors, and hand tools to maintain vehicles and fences. Chemicals are commonly used with farming livestock. Protective clothing such as gloves, goggles, coveralls, and steel toe boots are worn to minimise risks. Sheep farmers need to be proficient with computers and may need to use specialised farm management software.
Education and training/entrance requirements
It is possible to work as a sheep farmer without any formal qualifications and get training on the job. However, entry into this occupation may be improved by obtaining a qualification in agriculture or a related area.
The Amazing Biggest Sheep
Farm in Western Australia
https://youtu.be/4TZ_gJRer1E
Livestock Farm Workers perform routine tasks in livestock, egg and wool production.
ANZSCO ID: 8415
Alternative names: Farm Hand
Knowledge, Skills & Attributes
Employers look for Livestock Farm Workers who are trustworthy, responsible and have an enthusiastic attitude.
Strength and Stamina: The majority of farm hands spend a great deal of their professional lives handling physically demanding tasks that require high levels of physical fitness. Agricultural workers are frequently required to lift heavy loads, such as bales of hay. They spend most of their working days on their feet, and much of their time working with their hands fixing fences, digging ditches, tending to animals and repairing machinery. Some are charged with handling large farm animals, which can also be very strenuous.
Manual Dexterity and Technical Skills: An ability to use machinery safely for long periods of time is a must for a good farm hand. Farm workers need to know, or have the capacity to learn, how to use machines such as tractors. Making a mistake while handling this kind machinery could result in serious injury or even death. Good eye-hand coordination is also beneficial to farm workers.
Listening Skills: Livestock Farm workers need to work well with others and take detailed instructions from farmers and other agricultural managers. As such, effective listening skills are vital to success in farm hand careers. Failing to carry out instructions from farmers or other agricultural managers can result in the loss of livestock and, ultimately, farm income.
Knowledge of Farming Best Practices: An all-round knowledge of farming best practices will make a farm hand more attractive to potential employers. This includes not only knowing how to operate machinery, but also learning and mastering the proper way to feed animals, judge weather patterns, and identify potential threats to animals. Good farm hands will want to stay abreast of new technologies and techniques by attending workshops hosted by local agricultural extension programs. Gigworker indicates that some farmers send farm hands to training courses to learn how to safely operate machinery, for example.
(Source:
Your Career)
Duties and Tasks
patrolling, inspecting and reporting on the condition of livestock
providing livestock with feed and water
assisting with maintaining the health and welfare of livestock
mustering and droving livestock to milking and shearing sheds and between paddocks to ensure sufficient feed is available
washing and cleaning udders, and attaching milking machines to udders and milking cows
collecting eggs and placing in incubators
herding sheep for shearing and keeping mobs separate during shearing
spreading fleeces on skirting tables for classing, pressing wool and branding bales
exercising horses by walking, riding, leading and swimming, and attending to horses at track work, barrier trials and races
cleaning stables and hatcheries, storing bedding and performing minor repairs on fixtures, buildings and fences
assembling, preparing and storing horse gear
Education and training/entrance requirements
You can work as a Livestock Farm Worker without formal qualifications, however, they may be useful. A course in agriculture might be helpful.
Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs
Materials sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA [Sheep
Farmer; ]
Open Universities Australia,
Britannica;
Indeed [How
to become a Dog Breeder;; ]
Horse & Foals [How
to become a Horse Breeder; ]
Labour Market Insights [Horse
Breeder;
Livestock Farm Worker; ]
Work.Chron [Good
Farm Hand; ]
My Majors [Dog
Breeder Skills;]
Acacia [Other
Livestock Farmer; ]
The Balance Careers [Pig
Farmer;
Poultry Farmer; ]
University of Maine [Farmer
Skill and Knowledge Checklist: Poultry;
Sheep Production; ]
Dept of Primary Industries [Pig
breeds; ]
Food & Primary Skills Victoria [Sheep
& Wool;
Pigs; ]
Your Career
[Livestock
Farmer;
Mixed
Livestock
Farmer;
Other Livestock Farmer;
Dairy Cattle Farmer;
Goat
Farmer;
Sheep Farmer;
Beef Cattle Farmer;
Pig
Farmer;
Deer
Farmer;
Poultry Farmer;
Mixed Crop & Livestock Farmer;
Horse Breeder;
Livestock Farm Worker;]
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