Cattle are one of the most widely farmed animals in the world. Cattle farmers may obtain primary income from either selling animals for meat, or selling milk. Other income can come from stud fees or selling calves or other animals. Value adding through on farm production of dairy or meat products can provide a further income opportunity.
Job Opportunities
Dairy and Beef Cattle Herd Managers are employed all over the world. There is always demand for their expertise and knowledge.
Cattle Production Systems
Extensive System - Cattle are ranged on open native pastures. Occasional supplements of native grassland hays and drought resistant fodder trees and shrubs are necessary to see the animals through lean times caused by droughts. This system is used for cattle breeding herds with some cattle being finished and sold fat off the native pasture.
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Semi-Extensive System - In this system, the natural pasture is routinely supplemented during the winter with some roughage from arable by-products on the farm. fat cattle can be sold off the farm, either steers bred on the farm or those bought in to clean the arable lands of their crop residues.
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Semi-Intensive System - With this system, the predominantly native pastures are supplemented with roughage and concentrate produced from arable land (on- and off-farm). This is the system commonly used for dairy cattle, many beef breeding and fattening farms and for stud breeding.
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Intensive System - No native pasture is used in the intensive system, although improved grass pastures are used. The grass is used heavily for short periods and the animals are rotated from paddock to paddock. Cereals from on-farm and off-farm sources are also provided. In fully intensive systems such as feedlots, the animals are housed and all food and bedding is carried to them.
Remuneration and Advancement
The remuneration package for Herd Managers can vary greatly depending on the size of the herd being managed, the location of the cattle station and the expertise of the applicant. Dairy Herd managers on average can be paid AU$70,000 for managing a herd of around 300 cattle. Accommodation can also be offered in addition to your salary.
How to Distinguish Yourself and get the Work
Having qualifications in Agriculture is greatly beneficial to gaining employment as a Herd Manager. A Certificate or Associate Diploma in Agriculture which incorporates knowledge of diet and nutrition, health, pregnancy testing and recruiting stock would be desirable.
Experience is also invaluable. This position would require experience within the Cattle industry.
Risks and Stress Rating
The viability of any agricultural enterprise is dependent upon external factors such as weather (drought, flood) and markets (supply and demand; both local and overseas prices). When times are good, work opportunity and remuneration can be good; but when times are bad, the workplace can become more stressful and opportunities less certain. Enterprises that are less susceptible to such fluctuations are likely to be more secure, less stressful and offer more opportunity for advancements. This varies depending upon the type of farm, and the financial position of the employer.
Insurance
To work as a contractor in this field, you should consider personal indemnity insurance. A Professional Indemnity policy aims to shield the professional worker's assets in the event of a claim, therefore ensuring that he/she is able to carry on their business. Most of the roles mentioned above are not filled by contractors and are more commonly recruited as casual or permanent positions. To minimise risk of liability, you must investigate and learn about the legal and professional requirements for practising in this field.
Recommended Courses/Career Pathway
A good starting point is a Certificate in Agriculture (click to see details).
If you have limited time, and are already working in the agriculture industry; you may be wise to undertake short courses or modules one by one. (eg. Beef Cattle or Farm Management ).
Relevant qualifications, experience and a willingness to improve your knowledge throughout your career will assist you in getting the job.
One career pathway option could be to start as a Farm Hand, gain the work experience required to become an Assistant Herd Manager and get the qualifications you need to move into the position of Herd Manager.