Ruqayyah Snyder
Cattle farming is one of the largest industries in Australia, with beef cattle farming alone employing 77,000 people each year. Farmers make money by selling livestock or selling their produce (like milk). Farm managers can expect to make around AU$64,100 per year, while farmhands make around AU$50,000. However, farm incomes for livestock farms are estimated to have decreased in recent years due to lower prices for beef cattle. To make a profit, farmers must consider their motivation, infrastructure, feed availability, health and regulatory responsibilities, and land maintenance.
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What You'll Learn
Cattle farming for beginners
Cattle farming can be personally and financially rewarding, but it requires a lot of dedication, time, money, and knowledge. Here are some key considerations and steps to help you get started in cattle farming:
Infrastructure and Land
Firstly, you need to consider your farm's infrastructure and land. This includes secure fencing, which is essential for the safety of your herd and the smooth operation of your farm. You will also need properly fenced paddocks with gates, a water supply, and a sturdy set of cattle yards with a loading ramp. Ensure that your cattle have access to clean water, as this is vital for their health and hydration. Additionally, determine if you have enough grazing land to support your herd and move them between paddocks to protect the land from damage.
Cattle Breed
When selecting a breed, consider your goals and experience level. If you are an inexperienced operator, polled (hornless) breeds are generally easier and safer to handle. General-purpose, purebred, or crossbred beef breeds are suitable if you intend to control pasture and enjoy homegrown meat. These breeds are readily available from local cattle sales or nearby beef producers. If you're interested in a niche breed, contact the relevant breed association for advice, and consider attending agricultural field days and workshops to gather information.
Cattle Care and Health
Maintaining the health of your livestock is critical to the success of your farm. Work closely with vets and animal healthcare specialists to ensure your cattle receive proper care. Provide nourishing food and additional fodder, such as hay and grain, to help them reach their target weights. Many farms plant crops to feed their cattle, so you may need to help with the harvest. Remember that cattle handling activities, such as marking, vaccination, and weaning, require proper facilities and equipment.
Career Options
If you're new to the industry, consider enrolling in a cattle farming course to improve your career prospects and gain valuable knowledge. You can start as a farmhand and work your way up to positions like farm manager or station manager with experience. Cattle farmers can make money by selling livestock or selling produce such as milk. According to PayScale, the average salary for a farm manager is AU$64,100 per year, while a farm hand earns AU$50,000 per year. These salaries can vary depending on factors such as farm type, experience, and farm size.
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Cattle breeds and niche markets
Cattle breeding markets in Australia are flourishing, with the country's diverse climate giving rise to a variety of cattle breeds. The breed you choose to farm will depend on your location and the purpose you have in mind. For example, Bos indicus cattle, such as Brahman, are suited to hot, tropical climates, whereas Bos taurus cattle, such as Angus and Holstein Friesians, are more suited to cooler climates.
Angus cattle are the most sought-after temperate beef breed globally, known for their carcass characteristics and well-marbled, favourable beef. They are also used as high-marbling breeds in the Japanese feedlot market. Angus is further classified into two varieties: Black Angus and Red Angus.
European breeds, such as Charolais and Limousin, generally grow faster and have more muscle than British breeds. They are later maturing and need more feed to lay down fat cover. The Limousin breed, developed in France, is commonly used for beef production and as draft animals to help turn rugged, rocky soil into fields for crops. They are easy-care cattle known for quality beef in the domestic and international markets.
British breeds like Angus and Hereford are earlier maturing and can thus gain weight on less feed. They have high fertility and good eating quality. Some British breeds are used as high-marbling breeds and are suited to the Japanese feedlot market.
Dairy cattle, such as the Holstein Friesian, Australia's dominant dairy breed, have been specifically bred to maximise milk output. They require high levels of nutrition, including supplemental feeding in addition to grazing on pasture. Dairy breeds are sometimes combined with British beef breeds to produce specialist vealer-producing cows.
Ancient breeds such as Scottish Highland and Welsh Black cattle are also farmed in Australia, with farmers marketing the meat directly to the public at farmers' markets.
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Cattle health and maintenance
Cattle farming can be financially rewarding, but it requires a significant amount of time, money, and knowledge. Here are some key considerations for cattle health and maintenance:
Infrastructure and Land Management
Firstly, ensure that your farm has the necessary infrastructure, such as secure fencing, cattle yards with loading ramps, and properly fenced paddocks. It is important to regularly maintain this infrastructure, fixing fences, gates, and loading ramps to ensure the safety of your cattle. Additionally, implement regenerative land management techniques to protect the soil and grazing land from damage. Move your cattle from paddock to paddock to allow for even grazing and land recovery.
Nutrition and Water
Provide your cattle with enough nourishing food to maintain a healthy weight. This may include supplementary feed such as hay and grain, especially if you are aiming for specific weight targets. Ensure that clean water is readily available and accessible to your cattle at all times, as this is vital for their health and hydration.
Animal Welfare and Handling
Understanding cattle behaviour is crucial for good stockmanship and reducing stress on your cattle. Low-stress stock handling techniques improve meat quality and productivity, while poor handling can lead to bruising and downgraded carcasses. Review relevant codes of practice, animal husbandry procedures, and disaster management plans regularly. When performing invasive procedures such as castration or dehorning, ensure you follow guidelines for correct age and hygiene. Only undertake uncommon procedures such as tail docking if they provide welfare benefits or are prescribed by a veterinarian.
Disease Control and Veterinary Care
Basic animal welfare standards include freedom from disease. Promptly diagnose and treat any diseases, aiming to keep mortality rates below 2%. Major diseases such as gastrointestinal parasites, bloat, and grass tetany can be controlled with an integrated management approach. Work closely with vets and specialists in animal healthcare to maintain the health of your livestock, and adhere to national and state-specific guidelines and requirements.
By prioritising these aspects of cattle health and maintenance, you can contribute to the successful and sustainable operation of your farm.
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Farm cash income and profit
The cattle farming industry is one of the largest industries in Australia, employing 77,000 people annually. However, the average farm cash income for specialist beef farms has decreased by 66% to $65,000 per farm in 2023-24. This decrease is due to the reduced value of trading stocks as a result of lower cattle numbers.
To make a profit, it is essential to maximise cash receipts and minimise cash costs. Cash receipts can be increased by raising more cattle and selling them at the correct market weight. This can be achieved through proper livestock management, including feeding, administering medication, and maintaining equipment and facilities.
Additionally, it is crucial to consider the breed of cattle. General-purpose, purebred, or crossbred beef breeds are suitable for pasture control and enjoying home-grown meat. Niche breeds may require contacting the relevant breed association and attending agricultural workshops to gather information. Polled (hornless) breeds are generally easier and safer to handle for inexperienced farmers.
To minimise costs, reducing overheads is essential. This can include minimising the dependence on bought feed by planting crops to feed the cattle. Maintaining the health of your livestock is also crucial, as it ensures high-quality produce. Working with vets and specialists can help achieve this, but it may also increase expenses.
Finally, consider the scale of your operation. While it may not be profitable to run a small number of cattle, increasing the herd size can lead to economies of scale and improve profitability.
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Cattle farming career paths
Cattle farming is one of the largest industries in Australia, with beef cattle farming alone employing 77,000 people each year. The industry currently faces a shortage of workers, so it's a great time to consider a career in cattle farming.
There are a variety of career paths available in the industry. These include:
Cattle farmer
Cattle farmers are responsible for the day-to-day care and management of their herds. This includes feeding, housing, and breeding the animals, as well as attending to their medical needs. Cattle farmers make money by either selling their livestock or selling the produce of their livestock, such as milk. The average salary of a farm manager in Australia is AU$64,100 per year, while a farm hand earns around AU$50,000 per year.
Cattle buyer
Cattle buyers purchase livestock on behalf of buyers such as feedlots, meat processors, and dairy farms.
Livestock veterinarian
Livestock veterinarians provide medical care to animals, including diagnosing and treating diseases and illnesses.
Livestock nutritionist
Livestock nutritionists develop and implement feeding programs to ensure that animals receive proper nutrition.
Livestock auctioneer
Livestock auctioneers sell livestock to the highest bidder at auctions.
Animal geneticist
Animal geneticists use genetic testing to improve the quality of livestock.
In addition to these roles, there are also opportunities for career advancement within the industry, such as progressing from a farm hand to a farm manager or station manager.
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Frequently asked questions
Cattle farmers can make money by either selling their livestock or selling their produce, such as milk.
Cattle farmers may also be compensated through non-monetary benefits, such as free accommodation and bills.
Cattle farming requires significant time, money and knowledge to be profitable. You should also consider your motivation, level of cattle knowledge, farm infrastructure, feed availability, and health and regulatory responsibilities.
Cattle farmers are responsible for feeding, administering medication, and ensuring all equipment and facilities are properly maintained. They also need to work with vets and specialists to maintain the health of their livestock.
The number of cows required to make a profit depends on various factors, such as land costs, feed costs, management skills, and the target market. While there is no definitive answer, some sources suggest that a larger herd of around 100 cows may be necessary to make a substantial profit.
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