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

Senior Broadacre Crop and Livestock Farm Workers supervise mixed farming operations on Australia's large-scale agricultural properties. These skilled professionals manage both crop cultivation and livestock production activities, typically working on farms covering extensive areas of land. Their role combines practical farming skills with supervisory responsibilities, including training junior workers and implementing operational plans.

In the Australian context, these workers operate across diverse agricultural regions from the wheatbelt areas to grazing properties, managing seasonal workflows and adapting to variable climate conditions. The occupation requires comprehensive knowledge of both cropping and livestock systems, making them valuable in mixed farming enterprises common throughout rural Australia.

Key tasks in practice

Day-to-day responsibilities typically include:

  • Supervising planting, cultivation and harvesting programs for broadacre crops such as wheat, barley, canola and pulses
  • Managing livestock breeding programs and overseeing the rearing of young stock including calves, lambs or other young animals
  • Monitoring animal health and nutrition, identifying issues and implementing feeding and watering schedules
  • Operating and maintaining farming machinery and equipment including tractors, harvesters and livestock handling facilities
  • Implementing biosecurity protocols to protect livestock and crops from diseases and pests
  • Managing farm infrastructure including fencing, water supply systems and irrigation equipment
  • Using agricultural technology systems such as GPS guidance, soil sensors and yield monitoring equipment
  • Training and supervising Broadacre Crop and Livestock Farm Workers in proper techniques and safety procedures

Skill level explanation

This occupation is classified at OSCA skill level 3, which indicates positions requiring significant specialist knowledge and experience rather than formal tertiary qualifications. Workers at this level typically:

  • Have several years of relevant practical experience in broadacre farming operations
  • Possess Australian Qualifications Framework Certificate III or IV level skills, often obtained through vocational education and training
  • Demonstrate ability to supervise others and make operational decisions
  • Apply specialised technical knowledge to solve problems in crop and livestock management

In Australia, skill level 3 occupations are considered skilled technical roles that may be relevant for certain visa categories and employment programs.

Industry context

Senior Broadacre Crop and Livestock Farm Workers are primarily employed in Australian industries classified under ANZSIC codes including:

  • Sheep, beef cattle and grain farming (ANZSIC 012)
  • Other livestock farming (ANZSIC 0199)
  • Other agriculture (ANZSIC 0199)
  • Other farm animal and aquaculture production (ANZSIC 0191)

These workers are typically found on large-scale farming enterprises across Australia's agricultural regions, particularly in mixed farming operations that combine crop production with livestock rearing. Employment may be with corporate farming operations, family farms, or through agricultural contracting services.

The OSCA classification system is used in Australia for statistical purposes, workforce planning, and certain regulatory contexts, providing a standardized framework for understanding occupational skill requirements.