• livestock,

• feeding and milling,

• maintenance and farming, and,

• administration.

Varying levels of responsibility exist within each department. Staff can move from general hand, to leading hand and supervisor positions by gaining skills and knowledge and taking on more responsibilities. Management positions can be achieved through experience, knowledge and expertise across the entire feedlot operation, and gaining management and leadership skills.

Feedlot teams can range from 1-2 individuals, through to 25+ people. Each team completes their roles to their highest standard. When all teams work seamlessly together the feedlot can ensure the production of high-quality, grain fed beef.

Amanda Moohen - Feedlot Manager Wonga Plains
(Source: Queensland Country Life)

The livestock manager organises the daily roles, coordinates the team and ensure optimum cattle welfare and performance.

Skills required in the livestock department may include cattle handling and husbandry practices, horse riding, assessing and checking animal health and low stress stock handling.

ANZSCO ID: 363211
    

Alternative names: Feed Lot Manager,

   
Knowledge, skills and attributes  

Many people can advance quickly in their feedlot careers and move into management roles. Feedlot management requires people, business and professional skills, along with on the ground knowledge. The role of managers is to supervise the daily feedlot operations. They make sure the four main feedlot areas are organised and working efficiently. This ensures smooth running of the entire feedlot and allows the production of high-quality, grain fed beef.

The company executive team, or family board, determines the policies, operating plan and future direction of the business.

All feedlot managers should have a strong knowledge of bovine nutrition, ration formulation, forage management, body condition scoring, beef sire lines, and bovine genetics. They should be extremely familiar with the specific needs of young, rapidly growing cattle. To perform this job successfully, you should have the following skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy or related field

• Knowledge of feed formulation and ration balancing

• Ability to interpret livestock production data

• Computer skills: Necessary for record keeping, research, and marketing

• Physical and mental stamina: Required for managing the health and quality of the herd, as well as repairing feedlot fencing and equipment

• Leadership skills: Needed for managing feedlot personnel

• Familiarity with the herd: Important for knowing the personalities and idiosyncrasies of each member of the herd

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills: Necessary for assessing the health of the herd

• Interpersonal skills: Required for working with others such as veterinarians, farmers, customers, scientists, and other feedlot staff

Checking feed quality
(Source: Beef Alliance)

Cattle feedlot managers work in feedlot facilities, mainly located on large farms. Some of their work may be performed in an office where they handle business-type responsibilities, such as record-keeping and sales. Indoor work may also include treating sick or wounded animals or fixing equipment;.

They also spend time outdoors herding cattle. Their work may be affected by bad weather conditions, which can be hazardous. Animals can become frightened and act out, or they may be sick and irritable. Cattle feedlot managers work full-time, year-round. Overtime hours may be required for animals needing medical assistance.

Feedlot manager positions often include a variety of fringe benefits in addition to the usual salary package. These perks may include free or low-cost housing near the facility, paid utilities, use of a company vehicle, paid vacation, and medical insurance. In some cases, a feedlot manager may be eligible to receive a commission on sales that they broker.

Tools and technologies

Computers are used to calculate the amount of feed required for each type of cattle (yearlings to bulls); water consumption; even pen rider team's salaries and vet costs.

The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, a focus on sciences such as animal science and biology, and mathematics.

To become a cattle feedlot manager, you will need the following education and experience:

Academia: Most advertised positions for feedlot managers require a two- or four-year degree in animal science, agricultural marketing, agribusiness, or a closely related area. Coursework may cover animal management, such as artificial insemination and husbandry; business management, and agricultural and food science. Some employers will consider candidates that have several years of professional experience in lieu of a university degree.

Training: Aspiring feedlot managers can benefit from completing beef cattle internships during their University years.
 

Employment Opportunities

Employed by food production companies, contract growers with integrated production facilities, or you may be self-employed.

Did You Know? Teys Condamine feedlot manager Phillip Lambert and a staffmember in front of a small port of the yard’s new 1034 panel solar array. Teys Australia has completed installation of a 300kW solar project totalling 1034 panels at its large commercial feedlot near Condamine, on Queensland’s Darling Downs. The solar plant that was installed by Solgen and ERM Power, provides up to 50 percent of the facility’s electricity needs and is expected to reduce the feedyard’s peak demand by at least 30pc. The system comprises 1034 solar panels, both roof and ground mounted, and is expected to generate 506,000 kW hours of electricity per year. That’s the equivalent of powering 77 family homes. The installation will reduce the Condamine site’s reliance on grid electricity by 50pc and reduce Scope 2 carbon emissions by 395 tonnes per year (49pc). Features of the project include an ability to remotely monitor the system’s output, allowing managers to pressure-clean the panels in the case of dust build-up, for example. (Source: Beef Central)