Important: This page is an independent reference summary. Verify classification decisions against the official ABS source before using them for tax, licensing, immigration or compliance purposes.

Role overview

Poultry Farmers (ANZSCO 121321) manage agricultural businesses focused on raising chickens, turkeys, ducks, or other poultry for meat or egg production in Australia. These professionals typically operate commercial-scale farms rather than small backyard operations, overseeing the entire production cycle from breeding and hatching to grow-out and processing preparation. Their role combines animal husbandry with business management, requiring knowledge of poultry health, nutrition, housing systems, and biosecurity protocols. The occupation is classified within the Managers major group, reflecting the significant operational decision-making and business management responsibilities involved in modern poultry production.

Key tasks in practice

While ANZSCO does not provide a specific task list for this occupation, Poultry Farmers typically perform duties including:

  • Planning and coordinating production cycles, breeding programs, and flock replacement schedules
  • Managing poultry housing systems, including ventilation, temperature control, and automated feeding/watering systems
  • Monitoring bird health, implementing vaccination programs, and arranging veterinary care when needed
  • Overseeing egg collection, grading, and packaging processes for layer operations
  • Managing staff, including poultry hands, farm workers, and administrative support personnel
  • Maintaining biosecurity protocols to prevent disease outbreaks on the property
  • Coordinating with processors, transporters, and feed suppliers to maintain supply chain operations
  • Maintaining financial records, managing budgets, and implementing business improvement strategies

Skill level explanation

ANZSCO assigns Poultry Farmers a skill level 1 classification, which denotes the highest skill category requiring significant managerial and technical expertise. This classification indicates that most workers in this occupation would typically require a bachelor degree or higher qualification, or at least five years of relevant experience. In the Australian context, many Poultry Farmers develop skills through vocational education (Certificate III or IV in Agriculture/Poultry Production) combined with extensive practical experience. The skill level 1 classification reflects the complex responsibilities of managing modern poultry operations, which require knowledge of animal science, business management, technology systems, and regulatory compliance.

Industry context

Poultry Farmers primarily operate within Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) industries 0171 (Poultry Meat Farming) and 0172 (Egg Production). These classifications encompass commercial operations ranging from large integrated contract farming systems to independent farm enterprises. The Australian poultry industry has undergone significant consolidation, with many farmers operating under production contracts with major processors. Employment settings include free-range, barn, and conventional housing systems, with increasing consumer demand driving expansion in free-range and organic production methods. The occupation exists within a highly regulated environment subject to animal welfare standards, food safety requirements, and environmental regulations.

It's important to note that ANZSCO is a legacy classification system maintained primarily for statistical and migration purposes rather than current industry analysis. While still used for Australian visa processing, the classification may not fully reflect contemporary poultry farming practices, technological advancements, or specialized roles within the industry.