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 and soon drones.

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.

 

(Source: Your Career)

ANZSCO ID: 121322
  
Alternative names: Shepherd, Grazier, Squatter, Pastoralist (sheep),  Shepherdess,
  
Specialisations:

 

Farm Manager / Station Manager (below) (Source: Wool)
Meat production - Fat Lambs Farmer	(Source: The Science Agriculture)
Mixed Cattle & Sheep Farmer (121323)	(Source: Farm Online)
Senior Cattle & Sheep Farm Worker (363212) 343232	(Source: Farm Online)
Mixed Cattle & Sheep Farm Worker (842312)	(Source: Farm Online)
Overseer or Head Stockperson (below) (Source: Wool)
Sheep and Wheat Farmer	(Source: Research Gate)
Senior Sheep Farm Worker (363215) Sheep Farm Worker (842317) (below)	(Source: ABC News)
Stud Sheep Farmer Sheep Breeder (below)	A stud sheep farmer, or stud breeder, specializes in breeding registered purebred sheep to provide high-quality genetic stock for other sheep farmers, focusing on improving traits like wool, meat, fertility, or specific breed characteristics. They maintain detailed lineage records, use advanced selection strategies and performance data to improve their flocks, and participate in industry associations to uphold breed standards. (Source: WD News) Pat Millear, Stud Park South principal, with SPS 03 awarded 2025 Glenelg Field Day Champion Short Wool Ram which later sold to Glenpaen Merino Stud for a sale top price of $8,000. 12 September 2025
Sheep Classer (below)
Solar Shepherd (below)	(Source: The Conversation)
Wool Grower (below)	(Source: ABC World Today) The World Today 7 February 2025 Miranda McGufficke, Monaro wool grower Despite a dire outlook, Miranda McGuffice is committed to growing wool well into the future

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

A stud sheep farmer specializes in the selective breeding of sheep to improve genetics and maintain breed standards, focusing on producing superior breeding stock for other farmers and commercial producers. This involves registering flocks, documenting pedigrees, and using practices like performance recording and genetic testing to enhance specific traits like wool quality, meat production, fertility, and disease resistance.

A stud sheep farmer, or stud breeder, specializes in breeding registered purebred sheep to provide high-quality genetic stock for other sheep farmers, focusing on improving traits like wool, meat, fertility, or specific breed characteristics.

They maintain detailed lineage records, use advanced selection strategies and performance data to improve their flocks, and participate in industry associations to uphold breed standards.

Achieving optimal genetic gain involves issues ranging from understanding the impact the environment has on how sheep look and perform (phenotype), the need to reduce the impact of non-genetic variables so the phenotypic differences are due as much as possible to genetic differences (genotype), to having a breeding objective that is focused on what the market will be seeking in the next 10 years for a specific environment.

 

 

ANZSCO ID: 121322
  
Alternative names: Stud Sheep Farmer, Stud Breeder,
   
Specialisations: Ram Stud Sheep Breeder, Eve Stud Sheep Breeder,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• Genetics and breeding: Understanding applied genetics, breeding objectives, performance recording, and using techniques like DNA testing and artificial insemination (AI) to improve stock.

• Sheep health: Recognizing signs of disease and parasites, administering vaccinations and drenches, and developing biosecurity plans.

• Nutrition: Balancing feed rations for different life stages, understanding ruminant digestion, and managing pasture and fodder for optimal health and growth.

• Reproduction: Monitoring ewes during lambing, assisting with difficult births, and managing reproduction cycles.

• Business management: Budgeting, taxation, debt management, and evaluating market activity to plan production and manage capital.

• Organizational and time management skills: Planning and prioritizing tasks, delegating duties, and managing time efficiently to ensure smooth operations.

• Attention to detail: Monitoring sheep health and performance, accurately recording data, and managing finances.
  

Ways to assess different studs (Source: Business Qld) Some ways you can assess different studs include: Wether trials—randomly selected teams of wethers from different studs are run together and their performance is measured. Check to see if the stud or its clients have been active in wether trials, and what the results have been. Bloodline comparisons—wether trials where each bloodline is represented by several teams. Merino Bloodline Performance trials are a national series of linked wether trials. On-farm trials—compare more than 1 stud through trial mating of rams to the ewes on your farm. Central Test Sire Evaluation—a national series of linked progeny tests to compare sires.  Visit Merino Superior Sires to find out about linked progeny tests that compare sire. Sheep Genetics—the national genetic information and evaluation service for the meat and wool sectors of the sheep industry. Long-term performance of the stud's commercial flock – you will need to read at least 5 years of all fleece wool test certificates to eliminate environmental effects. Performance of client flocks—run under similar conditions to your own. Wether sheep (Neutered males) In Australia it is common practice to castrate male sheep unless intended to be used for breeding. This is to control any out of season or early age pregnancies as sheep have a natural breeding instinct and can become fertile at a young age. Also as the male lambs hit maturity the testosterone can taint the taste of sheep meat. The most common practice for castrating male sheep is by rubber ring, this can cause pain short term but necessary, there are pain relief options and it is becoming common practice for farmers to use pain relief. Pain relief adoption continues to increase as more options and products become available. (Source: Facebook)

 

Duties and Tasks

• Breeding objectives
  Breeding objectives direct sheep selection decisions.
  A breeding objective defines what is predicted to be the most profitable future enterprise for a specific business and environment at an acceptable level of risk.

• Selective Breeding:
  They carefully choose animals with desirable traits to breed together, aiming for genetic improvement over generations.

• Pedigree and Registration:
  Stud flocks are typically registered with a professional organization, which keeps detailed records of each sheep's lineage, ensuring the maintenance of breed purity and characteristics.

• Focus on Traits:
  Farmers work to enhance various traits, such as:

  • Wool Quality: Improving staple length, fleece weight, and wool quality.

  • Meat Production: Selecting for superior growth rates, muscling, and efficient meat production.

  • Reproductive Traits: Aiming for high fertility, ease of lambing, and maternal performance.

  • Hardiness and Disease Resistance: Breeding for sheep that are well-adapted to their environment and resistant to common diseases.

• Modern Breeding Techniques:
  They may integrate modern tools like DNA testing, performance recording, and artificial insemination to achieve breeding goals.

• Producing Superior Stock:
  The primary output of a stud farm is high-quality breeding rams and ewes that can be sold to commercial farmers to improve their own flocks.

• Commercial Orientation:
  While focused on genetics, many stud farms also aim to produce sheep that are suitable for commercial farming, with good doing ability and low maintenance requirements.

 

 

Merino Bloodline Performance & Analysis Source: Department of Primary Industries NSW Wool growers can now compare Merino bloodlines from wether trials and on-farm comparisons that have been run across Australia over the past ten years. The Merino Bloodline Performance analysis is a joint initiative between NSW Department of Primary industries (NSW DPI) and Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI). The analysis takes out all environmental factors between trials and years, leaving only the genetic variation between the bloodlines. Bloodlines are only reported where wethers in a team have been bred from the same ram source for at least five years, and where the accuracy of results is medium or high (based on standard errors of clean fleece weight).

 

Working conditions

Working conditions for a stud sheep breeder are physically demanding and involve seasonal tasks, including managing breeding, lambing, and shearing, often outdoors in various weather conditions. The job requires consistent effort to maintain facilities, monitor sheep health, and handle animals, which can include physical labour in all seasons

Tools and technologies

 

Stud breeders of sheep use a variety of tools and technologies, including DNA testing, electronic identification (EID) tags, and data management software to improve genetic selection and track flock performance.

Other key technologies include autodrafters that sort sheep based on pre-set criteria, genomic tools to accelerate genetic gain, and mating selection software like MateSel or BreedELITE that helps choose the best pairings

Sheep Stud facilities include drafters, scanners, weigh scales and Sheep Genetics - shown here below.

(Source: Sapien)

 

Ear Tagging

(Source: The Farmer Magazine)

 

Tissue Sampling

(Source: The Farmer Magazine)

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a stud sheep breeder, you generally need practical farm experience and formal education in agriculture, plus the financial resources and land to start a stud, and registration with a breed association. Key requirements include acquiring registered breeding stock, ensuring the flock is disease-free, and adhering to the rules and standards of the specific breed association

 

 

Breeding Leadership Australian Wool Innovation
https://youtu.be/PIoeh1A1Ne4?si=aNNrWcdvd9S4TUul

 

 

Did You Know? An AWI-funded project to develop a simple device for on-farm fibre measurement (OFFM) is in the final stages of R&D, and in January the project was extended to include follicle density. AWI teamed up with Australian start-up company Zondii in 2022 to investigate whether the company’s patented Artificial Intelligence and imaging technology can be used to successfully measure wool’s micron, and potentially colour and crimp. Results received in January 2023 confirmed the ability of a hand-held device to measure wool micron and colour, with further work progressing on the feasibility of measuring crimp. An additional smartphone solution is also in the final stages of R&D with updates to be provided in the coming months. “It has been incredibly exciting to have reached a stage where we are using our solution alongside existing industry wool measurement tools, to validate the accuracy and speed of the new technology,” said Zondii Founder, Danielle Morton. Zondii has also commenced R&D into follicle density measurement, using a hand-held device, in real time, on farm. The measurement campaign was successfully undertaken in the last week of January, at ‘Glenwood’ near Wellington in NSW. AWI and the Zondii team extend their thanks to the Smith family for making the testing possible. Results for this R&D will take several months, as the team waits for the turnaround required for follicle density comparison tests. “Follicle density is important because woolgrowers who select sheep with greater wool follicle density can improve both the quantity and quality of the wool in their flock. At present, although wool follicle density can be measured using ‘histology’, few woolgrowers find this process to be either economically or logistically viable,” said AWI Program Manager Agri-Technology, Carolina Diaz. “It is anticipated that the availability of a more affordable and easier to access solution to on-farm fibre measurement would encourage more woolgrowers to use it and enable those already using it to test more of their flock than present.” The Zondii team are continuing to speak with woolgrowers across the country to determine if the technology will be a good fit for their farms, with further on-farm trials continuing over the coming months. (Source: Wool)

 

 

 

 

A sheep classer identifies and provides recommendations on what sheep should be retained in a flock that will improve flock returns both now and in the future through a more productive progeny. Visual sheep classing is practised by all breeders and is essential to the quality of a woolgrower’s flock and enterprise profitability, yet there are specialist sheep classers that some woolgrowers rely on for their expertise and experience.
   
Visual classing is quick, efficient and cost effective for a large number of traits on the sheep. It can be done at lamb marking, weaning, shearing, replacement selections and joining, although the major classing events usually take place with the annual selection of replacement ewes and rams.

The environment plays an important role in setting the right breeding objective and sheep type.
It is important for woolgrowers to understand how local conditions impact on their sheep and which sheep are best suited to it.

Taking sheep from one environment to another may change how traits are expressed, ie fleece cut, micron, fleece rot, wrinkle, and worm resistance. Sheep bred for one environment may perform differently if moved to a different region, ie to high rainfall regions, high worm areas, or into wheat sheep and or pastoral regions.

Growers may be better off buying rams that have been bred locally or are from a similar environment. What is fit for purpose in one environment or production system may not be fit for purpose for another.

 

ANZSCO ID: N/A [October 2025] 
  
Specialisations: Different breeds of sheep and the reasons for production: wool, meat or milk.
   

Knowledge, skills and attributes

 

Objective of sheep classing

To identify and retain sheep that will improve flock profitability, both now and in the future
* Retain sheep that are the most profitable over the rest of their lifetime - best phenotype (actual performance)
* Retain sheep that will produce the most profitable progeny - best genotype (progeny performance)

Sheep classers are interested in biology, genetics and animal husbandry.

• Eye for detail

• Communication skills

• Understanding Breeding Objectives
  

Merino Classing
(Source: AWI)

 

Duties and Tasks

 

Observation

• Keen powers of observation are needed to assess every clue and indicator on offer (direct and indirect) to make the right selection decision

• Use sight, smell and touch

• Observe each individual sheep as every sheep is different!
  

Merino individual observation
(Source: AWI)

 

Know the Principles of Merino Visual Classing

 

(Source: AWI)

 

AWI has a photo-library of visual classing of merinos. This PDF is 91 pages long but look at pages 28 - 50; showing various Good or Poor conditions. For example,

Page 49

Page 41

Page 31

 

 

Working Conditions

Sheep Classers would go to Stations or Farms as needed. They would have to spend sometime in an office organising visits. One of the best times to view sheep is after they are shorn so a schedule of shearing would have to be drawn up.

The shearing shed is noisy and dusty but if classing boxes are used it is away from the other action.

Physically demanding - standing up for long periods of time

Requires driving - so a license

Working outdoors in all kinds of weather

 

Tools and Technologies

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can become a successful sheep classer through experience and on-the-job training.

Resources

On Farm Research Genetic Evaluation

Did You Know ? Assessment protocols 44% of commercial woolgrowers class their own sheep and 25% of woolgrowers breed their own rams. A good understanding of the protocols and when to class sheep is important to optimising lifetime wool and lamb productivity. It is important to follow the protocols for good assessments; they are the same for both visual and objective assessments. Good protocols include tight lambing, identifying multiples and maiden progeny, maintaining as few management groups as possible for a drop/mob, the right timing when to take each assessment, a good husbandry and animal health program, and maintaining best practice commercial condition scores. Evaluate within management groups as old as is appropriate. The older you class your sheep, the lower the impacts of confusing early life non-genetic effects. Rising 1-year-old assessments can be good for sire progeny testing, but when selecting individuals, rising 2-year-old assessments are better predictions of an individual’s lifetime fleece productivity. Be cautious of post weaner or yearling fleece weights; think hogget or adult ages. Commercial reality often leads ram breeders to compromise on the protocols, so it is important to make informed decisions and be aware of the consequences. Breeders with good assessment protocols have breeding values that change less than breeders with poor assessment protocols. Over time, ram buyers work it out, it’s buyer beware. Assessments Visual assessments or raw data is the assessment of how an individual sheep looks and performs. Breeding values are an assessment of how that animal’s progeny will look and perform. There should be a strong alignment between good visual and objective assessments when the protocols are followed. If not, something is amiss. The assessment method, be it visual, raw data or breeding value does not improve the quality of the animal, objective assessments are only a benchmark. Just because an animal has or does not have data does not make it a better animal. Data reduces risk at a cost. There are good sheep with figures and good sheep without figures. There are poor sheep with figures and there are poor sheep without figures. Visual assessments and classing require constant review, attention to the protocols, concentration, rechecking classing splits and staying consistent throughout the day. Objective assessments require constant review, attention to protocols’ taring scales, choice of pregnancy scanner, choice of wool lab or WEC lab or consultants. Breeding values evolve with more data, that is how they work, changes are expected. The more data the more confidence that the estimated breeding value prediction is approaching the ‘true’ breeding value. Classing Only 31% of woolgrowers use an external sheep classer. In MLP project analysis to date, there is a positive correlation between good structure and productivity. In some areas there are much higher restocker prices for sheep with good structure and frame. MLP project results show classers’ overall grading is correlated with productivity which backs up results from the SARDI Selection Flock and QPlu$ trial conducted in the 1990s. As 25% of woolgrowers don’t class, a key message from the MLP project is to consider the merits of getting a sheep classer. Classers won’t be replaced by data, people make good breeding decisions and sell rams, figures assist. Culling a moderate number of absolute culls before the main classing has little impact as they tend to be random across the other key economic traits. At the main classing, some woolgrowers believe in the need to get conformation and quality right first then productivity; others believe the need is to be productive first. Although the general view is that all traits need to be assessed together, one should not be ahead of the other. There is no perfect sheep, and every classing decision is a compromise based on the owner’s or classer’s overall objectives for the flock. Benchmarking 25% of woolgrowers breed their own rams and there are a range of new ways to benchmark progress without collecting breeding values on a commercial progeny. They can include the DNA flock Profile and averaging the ASBVs of AI or purchased stud sires. Sheep with good figures doesn’t mean they are good sheep, but sheep with poor figures are poor sheep. Sheep with good structure doesn’t mean they are good sheep, but sheep with poor structure are poor sheep.

 

 

 

The degree of your involvement in farm planning and directions and control of the farm budget will vary depending on the size and structure of the farm and/or company.

 

ANZSCO ID: 121000
  
Alternative names: Farm Manager (Sheep), Station Manager (Sheep),

The Boss, Working Manager,

Specialisations:

• Assistant Farm Manager - In addition to the responsibilities of the overseer, you may be required to maintain farm budgets, records and reports. Working towards a Diploma in Agriculture.

• Pastoral Company Secretary/Manager/ Director - Your responsibility will expand with the increasing size of the company and structure of its operations. You could be integrating the efficient management of several properties and planning for future growth and development. To be a Director you need to have a Diploma in Rural Business Management; Advanced Diploma in Rural Business Management; or, a Degree in Rural Business Management, a Degree in Agribusiness, or a Degree in Agricultural Economics
  

Knowledge, skills and attributes

To enjoy a career as a farm manager you need to like working with animals and people and be keen to engage with a wide range of modern technologies (e.g. business, livestock and paddock management software).

• Excellent management skills

• Competent property planning and management

• Excellent marketing of livestock

• Adequate business planning and ops

• Excellent staff managment and good communication skills
  

(Source: Wool - p.23)

 

Duties and Tasks

A farm or station manager has significant responsibilities in managing sheep and wool production activities as well as potentially being responsible for the management of the
business itself. No two farm management jobs are the same as no two farm owners will have the same expectations.

Responsibilities may include managing the property and staff, livestock breeding and production, marketing livestock, managing budgets, monitoring business performance,
managing feed and pastures, purchasing and maintaining machinery and providing reports to the property owner.

• Planning, supervising and/or carrying out a wide range of tasks: Livestock husbandry, pasture/crop management, property and machinery maintenance, buying/selling stock or machinery, selecting stock for breeding

•  Organising the annual calendar of farm activities: Joining, lambing/calving, shearing and crutching, flock/herd health program

•  Maintaining and/or supervising farm budgets, records and reports: Purchases/sales, stock records, crop/pasture records, monthly/annual budgets, chemical records, staff/contractor payments

•  Communicating with farm owners and other staff: Discuss business plans and directions with owner/company management, report income and expenditure, manage staff and contractors
  

Working conditions

• Farm work is very practical and usually outdoors. Depending on the season and activity
  the hours can be irregular and/or long.

•  Farm Managers or Supervisors may work as part of a team in the daily activities and/or monitor the work of various teams in different locations.

•  Planning on a daily and weekly basis can be affected by prevailing weather conditions.

•  Depending on the size and structure of the farm, involvement of both the assistant
  manager and manager in the daily activities will vary and there will be a certain amount of
  time spent in the farm office and liaising with owners, advisors, suppliers and contractors.

Tools and technologies

 

Sheep farm managers use a variety of tools and technologies, including wearable sensors (like collars and ear tags) for health monitoring, GPS and virtual fencing for pasture management, and software for record-keeping, genetic selection (like RamSelect Plus), and overall farm planning. Automation in areas like feeding also increases efficiency for large operations

 

Sheep not only produce Meat and Wool but also Milk then ....Cheese!   How an Aussie sheep dairy is doing extraordinary things Grandvewe Cheeses (Source: Farmers)   Europeans have enjoyed the delights of sheep cheese for centuries - now sheep cheese is produced in southern Tasmania's Birchs Bay and elsewhere in Australia.   Some facts There are more sheep milked in the world than cows, just less volume.   A dairy sheep will lactate for seven to eight as opposed to a regular sheep, that generally lactates for fewer than three months and produces much less milk.   Arabian desert sheep in Tasmania CEO Diane Rae of Grandvewe Cheeses secured an abandoned mob of Awassi sheep. The breed originates from the Arabian desert and has very tightly held genetics in Australia. I was able to seed our flock with them and create the hardiest and best dairy sheep in the world.   “That was a game-changer because suddenly, our property which was full of weeds, was ideal food for the Awassi component in the sheep. They are more goat like. “They are used to living on the smell of an oily rag. They’re amazing foragers. They eat thistles, they eat spiky grass. “I was really fortunate to be able to a create a dairy breed to exist in our climate and on our land. If I hadn’t gone down that path, we’d certainly be out the back door.” The result is a variety of about 10 classic sheep milk cheeses including pecorino and their award-winning blue cheese. It’s currently Australian champion cheese, voted in London at the World Cheese Awards. The backstory is a good one at Grandvewe Cheeses because behind every piece of cheese is a very happy ewe. Diane practices shared farming whereby the lambs are raised by their mums and the excess milk goes into the cheese until the lambs are weaned and milking continues as normal.   DYK Meredith Dairy located west of Melbourne is Australia's largest sheep and goat milk producer. They produce sheep Yoghurt as well as sheep and goat cheese   Available in Australia   For export to USA (Source: Meredith Dairy)

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

There are many pathways to being a farm manager. You can start as a farmhand and progress through practical experience and industry training programs, or complete one or more of a range of formal tertiary education courses.

Formal pathways could include a bachelor degree in agricultural science or farm management or a diploma in agriculture (sheep and wool).

• Employment opportunities are available at the farm management level for individuals who
  have relevant experience but no managerial qualifications.

•  Regular participation in farm field days and discussion/producer groups as well as
  gaining a formal qualification will help you to develop the knowledge and skills that you
  need to excel as a manager.

•  If you are already working at this level, you can have your skills recognised by applying for
  an appropriate qualification.

•  Skills and/or trade qualifications in a range of related areas such as livestock, cropping,
  irrigation, mechanics, welding and fabrication, office procedures and bookkeeping can be
  an advantage

 

Employment Opportunities

Future employment for sheep farm managers in Australia is strong, driven by a demand for experienced leaders in a variety of sheep, wool, and mixed-farming operations across the country. Opportunities range from managing large breeding flocks to leading mixed enterprises with both sheep and cropping, with competitive salaries and benefits, including on-farm accommodation, commonly offered. Opportunities include managing large Merino flocks, leading mixed cropping and livestock farms, and overseeing large "station" style operations in states like South Australia and Victoria. There is a focus on progressive farms that utilize advanced technology and innovative practices, offering opportunities for managers who can lead in a modern environment.

 

 

 

 

The position of overseer is the second in command to the manager. The role provides support and assistance to the Station Manager in the operations of the property. It includes supervision of staff, supervision of contractors and ensuring the day to day programs are managed effectively and efficiently. This position may also require the incumbent to act in the role of Station Manager on the occasions when the Manager is absent from the property.

 

An overseer or head stockperson (Sheep) is responsible for sheep and wool production activities and may have a number of workers to supervise. In conjunction with the farm manager, the overseer manages the day-to-day livestock operations, such as supervising feeding operations, arranging livestock purchases and sales, designing sheep-handling facilities, managing flock reproduction activities including natural mating, managing artificial insemination and embryo-transfer and pregnancy scanning programs and supervising and training staff.

 

ANZSCO ID: 363200
  
Alternative names: Senior Sheep Farm Worker, Supervisor, Foreman, Leading Hand,

Specialisations:
 

Knowledge, skills and attributes

To be a successful overseer or head stockperson, you need to enjoy working with and leading less experienced people. As with all on-farm wool production roles, a keen interest in working with animals, pasture and machinery is an advantage.

• Sheep health and welfare: Understanding sheep behaviour, recognizing signs of illness, and knowing how to administer basic treatments like vaccinations and deworming.

• Nutrition: Knowing how to balance feed rations and understand the nutritional needs of different sheep, such as pregnant ewes or lambs.

• Breeding and reproduction: Keeping accurate records and understanding the basics of processes like artificial insemination.

• Farm facilities: Knowing how to maintain and clean essential facilities, store hay, and ensure adequate water supply.

• Fencing and pasture management: Understanding basic rotational grazing and being able to identify poisonous plants.

• Animal handling: Skilfully herding, restraining, and handling sheep for tasks like shearing, dipping, and moving them between paddocks.

• Machinery and equipment operation: Operating and performing basic maintenance on farm equipment and machinery.

• Record keeping: Maintaining detailed records of livestock, activities, and produce.

• Communication: Clearly communicating with other team members, supervisors, and external parties like suppliers.

• Problem-solving: The ability to quickly and effectively address issues that arise, such as equipment failures or weather-related challenges.

• Mechanical aptitude: A basic understanding of how machinery works, including simple repairs.

• Hygiene and cleanliness: Maintaining high standards of personal and animal hygiene to prevent disease

• Strong leadership

• Good livestock management skills

• Competent in using management technologies

Mandy Matthews - Sheep Overseer - CAMEO Mandy Matthews (Source: Farmers) A day in the life as a sheep overseer! Ahead of National Agriculture Day, this Friday, one WA-based sheep overseer is taking the opportunity to educate her online following on what it is like to work in agriculture. You may know social media content creator, Mandy Matthews, better by her online moniker, miss_rae93. Working on a cropping and sheep operation, in the wheatbelt of remote WA, Mandy posts daily content to her combined social media following (of close to five hundred thousand people), showcasing the day-to-day tasks of a sheep overseer. Each day Mandy takes her followers to work with her, educating her ever-growing social media following on what it takes to work with sheep and live on the land. Driven by a “passion for agriculture” that was instilled even before she “could walk”, Mandy bottles her enthusiasm for the industry into bite sized social media videos, in a bid to foster a new generation of ag workers. “Every day is different with lots of challenges to overcome – I wouldn’t change it for the world. I honestly couldn’t imagine going down aa different path other than agriculture,” said Ms Matthews. Mandy recently recorded a ‘day in the life video’ explaining her daily tasks and where her passion for agriculture began. Go and have a look at Mandy's Instagram photos and videos

 

Duties and Tasks

You make decisions about a range of the tasks listed above, especially those involving livestock, and pastures and/or machinery.

You also organise and supervise other workers and report to the farm owner or manager.

An overseer is capable of performing all tasks of a station hand, as well as:

• Assisting the Manager with the development of farming programs in response to seasons and markets

• Segregation of livestock classes, allocating stock to the appropriate paddocks with assessment of pasture availability

• Supervision of stock health management, assist in the genetic selection of livestock

• Supervision of wool harvest management procedures, including crutching

• Assisting with the maintenance of vehicle, plant and machinery

• Purchasing of materials, rations, and parts necessary for the operation of the property, under the direction of the Manager

• Assisting in ensuring compliance of all processes and procedures as specified by legislation, company documentation and Board directives

• Assisting in the allocation and monitoring of staff workloads in line with operational requirements and timeframes

Working conditions

A sheep farm overseer's working conditions involve long hours, typically around 45-46 hours per week, and are physically demanding, involving exposure to all weather conditions and potential hazards like manual handling injuries, slips, and farm machinery

Tools and technologies

A sheep farm overseer uses farm management software, electronic identification (RFID), GPS tracking, and data analytics for modern management, along with traditional tools like a shepherd's crook and handling equipment for day-to-day tasks. Technologies such as drones and virtual fencing are also employed for monitoring and managing flock movements and pasture

Education and training/entrance requirements

There are many pathways to becoming an overseer or head stockperson. Many start as farmhands and work their way up to roles with more responsibility. Promotion occurs when the person demonstrates they are competent at a wide range of skills and can take responsibility for property operations and supervise the activities of other staff. Additional formal training can be an advantage in gaining a more senior position on-farm.

Certificate IV in Agriculture

Employment Opportunities

Being an overseer is a key stepping stone towards becoming a property manager: Overseers take the skills that they have learned as a station hand and combine them with human resource management, as well as learning the key aspects of property management, such as feed budgeting, stock rotations, repairs and maintenance planning.

 

 

 

Farm work can be rewarding for those who enjoy hands-on work and like working outdoors.

One of the traditional pathways to a career in the wool industry is to start working on a wool-growing property as a farmhand or station hand. A farmhand or station hand is a junior role and is likely to be involved in a wide range of tasks, working under a farm or station manager.

SSheep Farm Worker perform routine tasks on a sheep farm, such as herding sheep into pens in preparation for branding, shearing, crutching, dipping and yarding for sale.

 

(Source: Your Career)

 

ANZSCO ID: 841515 musters stock for branding, shearing, crutching, dipping and yarding for sale. They also maintain fences, bores, troughs and windmills.

Alternative names: Sheepherder,  Farmhand, Sheep Stockperson,  Farm Labourer, Station Hand, Farm Worker,
  
Specialisations: depends on the focus of the farm:

• Stud Sheep Farmer

• Wool Grower/Wool Producer

• Sheep and Wheat Farmer

• Sheep Meat production farm - Fat Lambs - Lamb Producer

(Source: Farm Buy Real Estate)

 

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A sheep farm worker needs a combination of knowledge, such as sheep health and nutrition, and skills, including animal handling, machinery operation, and record-keeping.

Key attributes are being physically fit, resilient, adaptable, and having strong communication and problem-solving abilities to handle the demanding and often unpredictable nature of the job.

Being interested in animals and the outdoors will get you off to a good start as a farmhand or station hand. Enjoying physical work is also a bonus.

• Physical fitness: The ability to perform heavy manual labour and work outdoors in various weather conditions./p>

• Resilience and flexibility: The capacity to adapt to changing demands and unexpected situations.

• Attention to detail: Being able to follow instructions, notice potential problems, and work towards high standards.

• Independence: Being able to work on your own and make decisions, while also being a team player.

• Motivation and keenness: A willingness to learn, develop skills, and show initiative.

• Patience: A requirement for tasks like bottle-feeding lambs or dealing with the unpredictable nature of animal behaviour.

• Like to work with machinery

• Like working with animals
  

(Source: ABC News)

 

Duties and Tasks

There is always something new to learn and many things to master when working on a sheep farm. This can include everything from how to manage and handle sheep, manage pastures, construct fences and set up watering systems right through to using and maintaining heavy machinery, understanding animal health and nutrition.

Tasks might include stock handling activities, such as mustering, drenching, vaccinating and penning up for contract shearing teams during shearing and crutching.
  
Farmhands and station hands often operate a variety of farm machinery, such as motorbikes, four-wheel motorbikes and tractors and repair and maintain farm infrastructures, such as
fences and troughs.

• patrols, inspects and reports on the condition of sheep

• provides sheep with feed and water

• assists with maintaining the health and welfare of livestock

• musters and drives sheep to shearing sheds and between paddocks to ensure sufficient feed is available

• herds sheep for shearing and keeps mobs separate during shearing

• spreads fleeces on skirting tables for classing, pressing wool and branding bales

Working conditions

Physically demanding

Requires driving - so a license

Working outdoors in all kinds of weather

 

Tools and technologies

Farmhands and station hands often operate a variety of farm machinery, such as motorbikes, four-wheel motorbikes and tractors.

They will also have tools to repair and maintain fences and troughs.

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

Farm managers often are happy to take on inexperienced people with the right attitude and train them on the job. You can also support this practical experience with a range of formal education pathways.

The career path for working on a farm is reasonably well established. It can involve working through junior roles in a labouring capacity (e.g. a farmhand or station hand), through to taking on
responsibility for other people and managing daily operations (e.g. overseer or head stockperson), right through to managing the finances and the strategic direction of the business (e.g. farm or station manager).

It can take some years to work through these roles and those looking to progress to a farm management role often combine practical experience with further study and industry training.

 

Employment Opportunities

There are opportunities for a Sheep Farm worker to become a Shearer, a Wool Handler, or a Sheep Farmer.

 

 

  

 

 

 

A wool grower needs knowledge of sheep breeds, wool evaluation, and market trends, alongside skills in organization, communication, and basic accounting. Key attributes include physical fitness, quick thinking, attention to detail for quality assessment, and the ability to work efficiently and adapt to new technologies.

Wool is a versatile resource, valued for its natural, durable, flexible, fire-resistant and biodegradable properties. Shearers, wool handlers and wool classers are experts in skilfully removing wool fleece and ensuring it is classed by its quality and fibre characteristics. The skills and collaboration of these roles ensure the production of high-quality wool that meets industry standards and maintains Australia’s reputation as a high-quality producer of wool.

 

ANZSCO ID: 121322
  
Alternative names: Woolgrower,
  

Knowledge, skills and attributes

 

• Sheep and wool evaluation: Understand different sheep breeds, wool characteristics (like fibre diameter, staple length, and crimp), and how to grade wool based on these factors.

• Market dynamics: Keep up-to-date with market prices, trends, and requirements to maximize the value of the wool clip.

• Farm management: Know local farming conditions, animal health, and environmental regulations.

• Technical understanding: Be familiar with wool harvesting equipment, quality control systems, and waste management.

• Financial and organizational: Basic accounting skills, record-keeping, and the ability to organize a woolshed and its operations.

• Communication: Interpersonal skills to work with various people and clear oral and written communication for recording information and liaising with buyers and brokers.

• Physical and manual: Be physically fit, work efficiently with hands, and have confidence in handling sheep.

• Technical: Ability to perform minor maintenance on equipment, and use technology for traceability and supply chain management.

• Assessment: Quickly and accurately evaluate wool quality based on characteristics like colour, length, and fibre diameter.

• Adaptability: Openness to learning about the entire wool supply chain and adapting to new technologies and industry innovations.

• Problem-solving: Think on your feet to solve problems in a fast-paced environment and identify and remedy hazards.

• Attention to detail: Crucial for accurate assessment and handling of wool to maintain its quality and value.

• Responsibility: Be responsible for woolshed management, quality control, and ensuring a safe and hazard-free environment.

(Source: Aus Wool Growers)

Duties and Tasks

• breeds and raises livestock for the production of fibre

• monitors and maintains the health and condition of livestock

• provides pastures and fodder to maintain appropriate nutritional levels

• moves livestock to optimise feeding opportunities

• organises and conducts farming operations such as mustering, shearing and drenching livestock, sterilising machines, and collecting, grading and packaging produce

• directs and oversees general farming activities such as maintaining pens, sheds and cages, fertilising, controlling pests and weeds, and growing fodder

• maintains fences, equipment and water supply systems

• organises the sale, purchase and transportation of livestock and produce

• maintains and evaluates records of farming activities, monitoring market activity and planning production accordingly

• manages business capital including budgeting, taxation, debt and loan management

• may select, train and supervise staff and contractors.

 

Did You Know? Australia is the largest exporter of greasy wool, producing 45% of world exports. The Australian flock consists of 76.5 million sheep, including 30 million Merino-breeding ewes and a similar number of lambs. (Source: Trust in Australian Wool)

 

 

Working conditions

 Wool growers 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. A wool grower's working conditions involve long hours, typically around 45-46 hours per week, and are physically demanding. 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

 Wool growers 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. Wool growers need to be proficient with computers and may need to use specialised farm management software.

Wool growers use a variety of tools and technologies, including wearable sensors (like collars and ear tags) for health monitoring, GPS and virtual fencing for pasture management, and software for record-keeping, genetic selection (like RamSelect Plus), and overall farm planning. Automation in areas like feeding also increases efficiency for large operations

A Wool grower uses farm management software, electronic identification (RFID), GPS tracking, and data analytics for modern management, along with traditional tools like a shepherd's crook and handling equipment for day-to-day tasks. Technologies such as drones and virtual fencing are also employed for monitoring and managing flock movements and pasture

Education and training/entrance requirements

It is possible to work as a wool grower 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.

There are many online courses that are available now.


 

 

 

Emerging Job

Solar shepherds, who manage sheep grazing under solar panels, are part of a growing movement that combines agriculture and renewable energy — and offers high incomes in the process. These solar shepherds are the vanguard of a new type of farming called agrivoltaics — a portmanteau for agriculture and photovoltaics — where agricultural production is intertwined with solar electricity production. (From The Conversation - Canadian author - 16 January 2025)

 

Another name for Agrivoltaics is Agrisolar - which seems to be the term used in Australia.

 

 

A Solar Shepherd is a role that combines traditional shepherding with managing livestock on solar farms, and their duties include livestock handling, maintaining the solar and agricultural infrastructure, operating machinery, and general property upkeep.

 

The solar panels shade the sheep and make them more comfortable on hot days, while fences around the solar farms protect them from predators. The grass shaded by solar panels also grows faster than unshaded grass, so there is more food for the sheep and, in turn humans, than naked pastures with no solar shade.

The benefits extend to energy production as well. The grid enjoys more solar power, which is the least expensive electricity in history, because the grazing sheep keep the solar panels clear of weeds.

In addition, solar farm owners and investors save money on vegetation management by avoiding the risks of mowing (which can damage panels with flying debris) and the costs and environmental harms of herbicides.

Solar shepherds benefit from increased grass for their sheep, they don’t have to lease pastures and, most importantly, they earn bonus pay for solar farm vegetation management, which comes from contracts with the solar farm owners.

(Source: ABC News)

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• Animal husbandry: Confident livestock handling and a strong commitment to animal welfare.

• Mechanical aptitude: Skills in general maintenance, fencing, and equipment repair.

• Operational skills: Ability to operate machinery and use farm software.

• Other skills: A strong work ethic, ability to work independently and as part of a team, and possession of a current driver's license are typically required

 

Did You Know? CASE STUDY: University of Queensland Gatton Solar Farm The University of Queensland’s (UQ) Gatton Solar Farm has grazed sheep in partnership with its Veterinary School since 2016. It has worked so well that UQ designed its new solar farm at the rural community of Warwick, Queensland, with sheep grazing in mind. In 2019, following consultation with the Veterinary School and several inspections for hazards to livestock and property, grazing commenced in the paddocks with fixed-tilt arrays. UQ has found the arrangement has been beneficial to the sheep's health, with the panels providing protection from the elements and supporting improved vegetation growth, increasing feed for the animals. The greatest advantage, by far, has been the security provided by the solar farm perimeter fence. This secure perimeter prevents death and injury caused by wild dog attacks to the livestock, a prevalent issue in Queensland. Grazing has saved UQ approximately $100,000 annually in maintenance costs, as the requirement to mow has been completely removed (Source: Clean Energy Council) UQ News Gatton Solar Research Facility The Gatton Solar Research Facility is the largest photovoltaic research facility in the southern hemisphere. The 3.275 megawatt array is made up of more than 37,000 thin-film photovoltaic panels, installed over 10 hectares. The advanced technology photovoltaic modules produce enough clean energy to power more than 1,000 average Australian homes and displace the equivalent of 5,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. The development was funded by a $40.7 million Federal Government Education Investment Fund program grant administered by the Department of Education.

 

Duties and Tasks

Key tasks include moving and monitoring the flock, checking fences and water systems, performing basic machinery maintenance and repairs, and record keeping. The role requires strong work ethic, self-sufficiency, and skills in animal husbandry and farm maintenance.

Primary duties

• Livestock management: Move, monitor, and care for the flock, which includes tasks like vaccinations, treatments, and ensuring they graze the vegetation under solar panels.

• Infrastructure maintenance: Build and repair fences, check and maintain water systems (troughs, tanks, pumps, pipelines), and keep the solar farm grounds tidy.

• Machinery operation: Operate farm equipment like tractors, ATVs, and loaders, and perform basic maintenance and repairs on them.

Supporting tasks

• Property and vegetation management: Perform tasks like weed and pest control, pasture upkeep, and general property repairs.

• Record keeping: Maintain records related to the livestock, farm operations, and potentially site-specific data.

• Workshop and general repairs: Use hand tools, and perform basic welding and equipment repair.

• Other duties: Depending on the specific role, this can include roles like assisting with cropping, driving trucks, or other general farm tasks.
  

Challenges

While solar sheep grazing might seem like an easy win, there can be challenges, and shepherding is no easy task. The sheep need to regularly move to effectively control vegetation on the solar farm, which requires moving both the fences and the sheep themselves.

Profits from solar sheep grazing also can disappear if sheep are attacked by predators.

Sheep need water to drink, for example, and forward-thinking developers have started installing water sources for sheep on the solar farms. Others have changed their grass seed mix to provide more nutrition.

 

 

App: Meat Cuts by MLA

Meat Cuts App by MLA Free Found here

 

 

 

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs

 

Biosecurity Officer	Farmer	Feedlot Manager	Jillaroo/Jackeroo
Livestock Farmer	Livestock Transport  Driver	Primary Products Inspector	Rural Contractor
Shearer	Solar Panel Installer	Veterinarian	Wool Buyer
Wool Classer

 

 

Job Cluster: Wool

 

 

 

Materials sourced fromr
Jobs & Skills WA [Sheep Farmer; ]
University of Maine [Sheep Production; ]
Food & Primary Skills Victoria [Sheep & Wool;]
Learn about Wool [Sheep Classer; ]
AWI [Merino Visual Classing; PDF  Assessing, Classing & Selecting Sheep; ]
Wool [Sheep Breeder - PDF; Assessments; Career Booklet 2024;  ]
Jobs & Skills [Sheep Farm Workers; ]
Career Harvest [Farm Worker;; ]
Woolwise [Farm Manager;; ]
McBride [Overseer; ]
Business Qld [Breeding Stud Rams; ]
CSIRO [Book on Breeding Stud Sheep; ]
Skills Insight [Shearing & Wool Classing; ]
Clean Energy Council [Renewable Energy Agriculture; ]
Your Career [Sheep Farmer; Sheep Farm Worker;; ]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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