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How to Become A Livestock Farmer

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What is a Livestock Farmer

A livestock farmer breeds and raises animals to produce meat, milk, wool, eggs, and more. It is a hands-on outdoor career at the heart of Australia’s food system. If you love animals and the land, this could be the career for you.

Each day brings a mix of physical work and smart thinking. You check on animal health, manage feeds, move mobs between paddocks, and keep the farm running. You also handle the business side, including budgets, records, and sales.

Livestock farming covers many specialisations. You could work with beef cattle, dairy cows, sheep, pigs, poultry, or goats. Each type has its own rhythm and skill set. There is plenty of room to grow and find your niche.

Getting started does not need a university degree. Practical experience and a Certificate III or IV in Agriculture are common entry paths. From there, you can build your skills, take on more land, and shape your own future in farming.

Start your study journey in Agriculture

Career Outlook for Livestock Farmer

Livestock farming is a key part of Australia’s food system. Around 72,400 people work as livestock farmers across the country (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026). The median age of this workforce is 60. This is well above the national average of 39, which shows strong demand for young entrants as older farmers retire.

About 74% of livestock farmers work full-time, putting in an average of 55 hours a week (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026). Women make up 32% of the workforce. Jobs fell by about 4,000 in recent data, as farms merged and new tools were adopted. This is not a sign of low demand.

New tools are changing how farms are run. Smart livestock systems, remote checks, and digital records are now common on large farms. Farmers who keep up with these changes will be in a better spot to run lean, profitable farms. They can also tap into growing home and export markets.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Livestock Farmer

Step 1: Gain hands-on experience on a working farm

Start by getting practical time with livestock. Volunteer on a farm, apply for work placements through schools or farm colleges, or take a farm labouring role. Most farmers say hands-on time is the best way to learn. Aim for at least 6 to 12 months before or alongside formal study.

Step 2: Complete a Certificate III in Agriculture (AHC30122)

Enrol in the Certificate III in Agriculture (AHC30122) at a TAFE or registered training body (RTO). This takes around 12 months full-time or up to 18 months part-time. It covers livestock care, farm tasks, animal health, and equipment use. It is the most common entry-level cert for livestock farming in Australia. Confirm the current code at training.gov.au before you enrol.

Step 3: Advance with a Certificate IV or Diploma of Agriculture

If you want to manage or run your own farm, study further. Try the Certificate IV in Agriculture (AHC40122) or the Diploma of Agriculture (AHC50122). These take 12 to 24 months at a TAFE or RTO. They cover production plans, animal health, and farm business skills. Both are also available online through several RTO providers.

Step 4: Choose a livestock specialisation

Pick the livestock type that suits your goals and your region. Options include beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, and goats. Each has its own market, season patterns, and care needs. Attend field days and talk to farmers in your area to learn what each sector demands.

Step 5: Build your business and industry knowledge

Running a farm means running a business. Take short courses in farm finance, budgeting, or planning to build your skills. Join your state farming body and groups like the National Farmers’ Federation for workshops and news. Strong business skills will help you build a long-term farming operation.

What does a Livestock Farmer do?

A typical day for a livestock farmer starts with checking on the animals. Farmers inspect stock for signs of illness and ensure feed and water are topped up. They move mobs to fresh pasture as needed. Through the day, they carry out milking, drenching, or shearing tasks depending on the season. They also fix fences, service equipment, and keep farm records up to date. At the end of the day, the financial side kicks in, with market tracking, sale planning, and budget reviews. It is full-on work, but no two days are exactly the same.

Tasks

Livestock farming is hands-on, varied work that blends animal care with business management. Farmers are responsible for the health and output of their animals and the smooth running of the whole farm. This career rewards people who are motivated, adaptable, and passionate about food production.

  • Breeding and raising livestock for production of meat, milk, wool, and eggs.
  • Monitoring animal health and condition every day.
  • Providing the right feed and pasture to keep stock in top shape.
  • Moving livestock to fresh pastures to get the best feeding results.
  • Carrying out farm tasks such as milking, drenching, and sterilising equipment.
  • Maintaining pens, sheds, and cages, plus fertilising fields and controlling pests.
  • Fixing and maintaining fences, equipment, and water supply systems.
  • Organising the sale, purchase, and transport of stock and produce.
  • Keeping and reviewing farm records and planning production around market trends.
  • Managing budgets, taxes, and loans to keep the farm financially healthy.
  • Selecting, training, and supervising farm staff and contractors when needed.

Skills for Success

To do well as a livestock farmer, you need both hands-on skills and a sharp business mind. You must know how to care for animals, manage land, and keep the farm safe and productive. Strong record-keeping and financial planning skills will also help you thrive.

Adaptability is one of the most important traits in this job. Weather, markets, and animal health can all change fast. Being able to think on your feet and solve problems quickly sets great farmers apart.

Skills & Attributes

  • Animal husbandry and stock management
  • Livestock nutrition and feed management
  • Animal health monitoring and disease prevention
  • Farm operations management
  • Record-keeping and data analysis
  • Budgeting and financial management
  • Problem-solving and decision-making
  • Physical fitness and stamina
  • Agricultural machinery operation and maintenance
  • Clear communication and team leadership
  • Staff supervision and training
  • Adaptability to weather and market changes
  • Understanding of biosecurity and environmental regulations
  • Basic veterinary knowledge and first aid for animals
  • Time management and task prioritisation

Average Salaries

A livestock farmer in Australia earns around $85,000 a year on average (based on recent Australian data, 2025). Pay ranges from about $55,000 for entry-level work to over $130,000 for farm managers with years of experience. Earnings vary by the type of stock, farm size, and skill level.

min $55 K

max $130 K

av $85 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.