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ANZSCO 121312Skill level 1Version 5Updated 2026-04-26

Beef Cattle Farmer

A Beef Cattle Farmer manages breeding, raising, and selling beef cattle on stations and farms across Australia. Australia is one of the world's largest exporters of beef, with the industry centred in Queensland, NT, WA, and NSW.

Indicative salary range
$55,000 - $100,000 (2025 indicative)

Full-time AUD, 2025 indicative. Wide bands reflect variation by employer, experience, and location.

Labour market demand

Demand is steady; regional and remote cattle properties persistently struggle to attract and retain skilled workers.

Occupation list membership

Which Department of Home Affairs skilled lists this occupation currently appears on.

  • ROLRegional Occupation List

    Occupations eligible for regional visas such as Subclass 491 and 494.

Assessing authority

The body that assesses skills for migration purposes for this occupation.

Visa pathways

Australian visa subclasses for which this occupation is currently eligible.

State nominations

States and territories that currently nominate this occupation for skilled migration.

CodeState / TerritoryDetails
QLDQueenslandView nomination →
WAWestern AustraliaView nomination →
SASouth AustraliaView nomination →
NTNorthern TerritoryView nomination →

Key duties

  • Manage pasture, water, and carrying capacity for cattle herds
  • Oversee breeding programs, calving, and herd health management
  • Muster, draft, and prepare cattle for sale or processing
  • Maintain fencing, water infrastructure, and farm machinery

Skills required

  • Cattle husbandry and breeding management
  • Pasture management and grazing systems
  • Animal health and veterinary first aid
  • Station and property management

Typical qualifications pathway

Certificate III in Agriculture or relevant practical experience is typical. A degree in animal science or agriculture is an advantage. VETASSESS assesses qualifications.

Visa & occupation list information

Listed on the ROL only, making subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) the primary pathway. Suitable for migrants willing to live and work in regional or remote Australia For advice on which pathway suits your circumstances, consult a registered MARA migration agent.

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Occupation record last reviewed by editorial team: