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Livestock Farmer
A few livestock farmers raise horses, mules, or donkeys as draft animals—animals that pull loads or machinery.
Livestock farmers may work on many acres—on farms, ranches, or rangeland—raising more than one type of animal. Large operations may employ several laborers or technicians. Most smaller farms are operated by families.
Livestock farmers breed and raise cattle—including bulls, cows, and steers, which are neutered bulls—for the meat and leather industries. Purebred cattle farmers breed registered cows and bulls. They work to improve strains of cattle so the best cattle is sold to the meat industry. Purebred farmers also sell their cattle to ranchers who wish to strengthen their own herds.
Ranchers lease public rangeland, or grazing land, from the state or federal government to raise cattle. They allow herds of cattle to roam these large tracts of land where they graze on wild plants. During roundup the ranch hands drive the animals together and count the herd. They also select the animals to be sent to the meat market. Livestock farmers with great amounts of land may also raise sheep for meat and wool. These grazing animals need large amounts of pasture. The sheep move from one pasture to another as they eat all the grass in one area. The sheep remain outdoors except when they are brought to sheds where farmers shear, or clip, their wool. Goats are also grazing animals. Farmers lead the flock to pasture in the morning and return them to the corral at night where they are milked. They sell the goat milk to hospitals or other buyers and shear the hair to make mohair. Farmers raise swine, also called pigs or hogs, mainly for meat.
They feed them corn and other grains. Since these animals do not graze, farmers keep them in buildings that house ten to twenty or more swine. In good weather they keep the swine in an outdoor pen. Some livestock farmers grow the hay and grain needed to feed their animals. All livestock may need supplemental feedings of minerals or other nutrients. Livestock must be protected against disease. The animals may be vaccinated or washed and then bathed in insecticide.
Livestock farmers assist in the delivery of newborn animals. They brand the animals for the grade or type of animal or for ownership. Many livestock farmers specialize in developing finer breeds of their animals to increase the quantity or quality of milk, meat, or wool.
Useful Information
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Career Snapshot Livestock Farmer |
In Demand
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Qualification Required |
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Work Outdoors |
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Maths Required |
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Science Required |
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This is a general guide - it is important to check admission requirements with the various training institutions first because entry requirements may vary.
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