How to become a Livestock Farmer
Livestock farmers plan, coordinate and perform farming operations to breed and raise livestock such as beef or dairy cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry or other breeds.
Personal requirements for a Livestock Farmer
- Good at planning
- Able to analyse and solve problems
- Good organisational and supervisory skills
- Good communication skills
- Responsible approach and attitude
- Able to work outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions
- Able to handle isolation and limited social contact
- Able to handle animals with confidence and patience
- Aptitude for working with computers and mechanical equipment
- Able to work independently and as part of a team.
Duties & Tasks of a Livestock Farmer
Livestock farmers may perform the following tasks:
- Breed and raise livestock for the production of meat, wool, skins, milk, eggs and honey
- Monitor and maintain the health of stock, providing pasture and fodder to maintain appropriate nutrition levels
- Move or rotate stock to optimise feeding opportunities
- Organise and conduct farming operations such as catching and loading livestock, shearing, milking and sterilising machines
- Direct and oversee general farming activities such as fertilising, pest and weed control
- Manage business capital, maintain and evaluate records of farming activities, monitor market activity and plan production accordingly
- Organise the grading, sale, purchase and transportation of produce
- Inspect and maintain farm buildings, fences, equipment and water supply systems
- Recruit and coordinate farm workers and direct them on crop growing and livestock raising
- Plan activities to minimise environmental degradation, monitor environmental effects of farming activities and repair existing damage through programs such as tree planting.
Working conditions for a Livestock Farmer
Livestock farmers may work on large or small enterprises. They spend much of their time working outdoors and may need to travel between a number of properties to manage activities.
Specializations
Sheep Farmer
A sheep farmer plans, coordinates and performs farming operations to breed and raise sheep for the production of wool, meat and breeding stock.
Poultry/Chicken Farmer
A poultry farmer plans, coordinates and performs farming operations to breed and raise chickens, turkeys, ducks and other poultry for the production of eggs and meat.
Beef Cattle Farmer
A beef cattle farmer plans, coordinates and performs farming operations to breed and raise beef cattle for the production of meat and breeding stock.
Pig Farmer
A pig farmer plans, coordinates and performs farming operations to breed and raise pigs for the production of meat and breeding stock.
Mixed Livestock Farmer
A mixed livestock farmer plans, coordinates and performs farming operations to breed and raise mixed livestock.
Dairy Farmer
A dairy farmer plans, coordinates and performs farming operations to breed and raise dairy cattle for the production of milk, breeding stock and meat.
Beef Cattle Farmer
A beef cattle farmer plans, coordinates and performs farming operations to breed and raise beef cattle for the production of meat and breeding stock.
Dairy Farmer
A dairy farmer plans, coordinates and performs farming operations to breed and raise dairy cattle for the production of milk, breeding stock and meat.
Livestock Farmer
Livestock farmers plan, coordinate and perform farming operations to breed and raise livestock such as beef or dairy cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry or other breeds.
Mixed Livestock Farmer
A mixed livestock farmer plans, coordinates and performs farming operations to breed and raise mixed livestock.
Pig Farmer
A pig farmer plans, coordinates and performs farming operations to breed and raise pigs for the production of meat and breeding stock.
Poultry/Chicken Farmer
A poultry farmer plans, coordinates and performs farming operations to breed and raise chickens, turkeys, ducks and other poultry for the production of eggs and meat.
Sheep Farmer
A sheep farmer plans, coordinates and performs farming operations to breed and raise sheep for the production of wool, meat and breeding stock.
