How to become a Mixed Cattle and Sheep Farmer

Also called: Mixed Cattle and Sheep Farm Manager

Plans, organises, controls, coordinates and performs farming operations to breed and raise cattle and sheep for meat, milk, wool and breeding stock.

Main tasks

• Plans and coordinates the breeding and raising of cattle and sheep for the production of meat, milk, wool and breeding stock
• Organises mixed cattle and sheep farming operations and routines, such as feeding, herding and drenching, and administration of vaccinations and medications
• Selects and purchases breeding stock, and manages cattle and sheep breeding programs
• Organises cattle and sheep farming operations and routines, such as mustering, shearing, milking and sterilising machines
• Monitors and maintains the health, welfare and condition of cattle and sheep, including developing and overseeing strategies to manage biosecurity risk and disease
• Directs and oversees general cattle and sheep farming activities, including the provision and maintenance of infrastructure such as pens, fences and sheds, and the preparation of pasture and fodder
• Organises the sale, purchase and transportation of cattle and sheep for meat and breeding purposes, and the sale of wool and milk
• Maintains and evaluates records of cattle and sheep farming activities, monitors market activity, and plans production accordingly
• Manages cattle and sheep farm business capital, including budgeting, taxation, debt and loan management
• May select, train and supervise cattle and sheep farm workers

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 78,900 people work in this job group now, and about 79,800 are projected by 2035. (+1.2%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Apiarist
• Beef Cattle Farmer
• Dairy Cattle Farmer
• Sheep Farmer
• Goat Farmer
• Horse Breeder

Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz

Questions people ask

How do I become a Mixed Cattle and Sheep Farmer?

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

Is a Mixed Cattle and Sheep Farmer a growing career in Australia?

Employment is projected to stay about the same by 2035: about 78,900 people now and 79,800 later (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Mixed Cattle and Sheep Farmer?

Usually not. Only 16% 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 Mixed Cattle and Sheep Farmer?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

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