Broadacre, Horticultural and Mixed Production Farmers

How to become a Broadacre Crop and Livestock Farmer

Also called: Farmer and Grazier

Plans, organises, controls, coordinates and performs farming and farm management activities involving the cultivation of broadacre crops and the breeding and raising of livestock.

Main tasks

Grows broadacre crops, and breeds and raises animals for the production of food, wool, skins, milk or eggs
Monitors and maintains the health, welfare and condition of livestock, including by providing pastures, fodder and water
Plans and maintains broadacre crop production by selecting seed and coordinating cultivation, fertilising, watering and crop health strategies
Develops and oversees strategies to manage biosecurity and other risks
Plans and oversees the provision and maintenance of broadacre crop and livestock farming infrastructure, such as equipment, machinery, sheds, and water supply and irrigation systems
Organises the sale, purchase and transportation of livestock and produce
Maintains and evaluates records of broadacre crop and livestock farming activities, monitors market activity, and plans production accordingly
Manages broadacre crop and livestock farm business capital, including budgeting, taxation, debt and loan management
May select, train and supervise broadacre crop and livestock farm staff and contractors

Ways in

University: Agriculture & Environment degrees, Offered by 27 universities in Australia
TAFE and VET: Diploma of Agribusiness Management (AHC51422); Diploma of Agriculture (AHC50122); Certificate III in Agriculture (AHC30122); Certificate IV in Agribusiness (AHC41024); Certificate IV in Agriculture (AHC40122)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

About 27,600 people work in this job group now, and about 28,000 are projected by 2035. (+1.4%)
AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Questions people ask

How do I become a Broadacre Crop and Livestock Farmer?

Ways in include: Agriculture & Environment degrees; Diploma of Agribusiness Management; Diploma of Agriculture.

Is a Broadacre Crop and Livestock Farmer a growing career in Australia?

Employment is projected to stay about the same by 2035: about 27,600 people now and 28,000 later (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Broadacre Crop and Livestock Farmer?

Usually not. Only 13% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Agriculture & Environment degrees; Diploma of Agribusiness Management; Diploma of Agriculture.

Will AI change the work of a Broadacre Crop and Livestock Farmer?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04