Job description
Northridge Farms, located near Tamworth, New South Wales, is seeking a driven Livestock Farm Manager to lead day-to-day operations on our expanding sheep and cattle enterprise. This is a hands-on role that combines animal care, pasture management, and production planning. You will supervise a small team, implement welfare and biosecurity protocols, and work closely with a farming family committed to sustainable, responsible farming.
As the Livestock Farm Manager, you will:
- Oversee daily livestock care for sheep and cattle, including feeding, watering, shelter, and handling.
- Develop grazing plans, manage pasture health, and optimize forage use across rotations.
- Monitor animal health, coordinate routine vaccinations, parasite control, and veterinary visits.
- Lead a small team of farmhands; schedule shifts, train staff, and enforce safety protocols.
- Maintain accurate farm records for breeding, births, culling, performance, and input usage.
- Ensure biosecurity, welfare compliance, and compliance with local agricultural regulations.
- Maintain equipment, fences, water systems, and facilities; manage supplier relationships and procurement as needed.
- Collaborate with sales and processing partners to support throughput and product quality while pursuing continuous improvement.
Responsibility
- Manage daily livestock care for sheep and cattle, including feeding, water, shelter, and gentle handling.
- Plan and implement grazing rotations and pasture management strategies.
- Monitor health and welfare; organize vaccination and parasite control programs in partnership with a veterinarian.
- Lead and develop a small farm team; assign tasks, train, and ensure safe work practices.
- Maintain thorough records of breeding, births, culling, and performance metrics.
- Uphold biosecurity, welfare standards, and compliance with local agricultural regulations.
- Oversee equipment, fencing, water systems, and facility maintenance; manage basic repairs or contractor engagements.
- Engage with buyers, processors, and suppliers to optimize production flow and product quality.
Qualification
- 3+ years of hands-on livestock farming experience with sheep and cattle.
- Strong knowledge of livestock health management, vaccines, parasite control, and welfare.
- Proven leadership or supervisory experience with the ability to train and motivate staff.
- Excellent record-keeping and operational planning skills; proficiency with farm software is a plus.
- Basic skills in machinery operation and maintenance, fencing, and water system upkeep.
- Sound understanding of pasture management, grazing rotations, and integrated farm planning.
- Valid driver's license; ability to work flexible hours, weekends, and on-call as needed.
- Certification or demonstrated experience in Certificate III in Agriculture or equivalent is preferred.