How to become a Sheep Farmer

Also called: Sheep Farm Manager

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

Main tasks

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

Ways in

• University: Agriculture & Environment degrees, Offered by 27 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Advanced Wool Handling (AHC33125); Diploma of Agriculture (AHC50122); Certificate III in Agriculture (AHC30122); 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
• Mixed Cattle and Sheep Farmer
• Goat Farmer
• Horse Breeder

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Sheep Farmer?

Ways in include: Agriculture & Environment degrees; Certificate III in Advanced Wool Handling; Diploma of Agriculture.

Is a 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 Sheep Farmer?

Usually not. Only 15% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Agriculture & Environment degrees; Certificate III in Advanced Wool Handling; Diploma of Agriculture.

Will AI change the work of a 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
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04