Livestock Farmer

Persuade

I believe in growing and producing as much food as possible in order to feed a growing population, as well as being environmentally sustainable.

Eric, Fifth Generation Farmer & Rancher
Livestock Farmer

In A Nutshell

I care for animals that provide food and natural materials, like wool and other fibers, that people use every day.

I monitor animal health and wellbeing throughout their entire life cycle, from breeding to raising and marketing.

I lead and train teams to ensure animals receive consistent, high-quality care every day.

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Potential Salary Range

$28,000 - 60,000 Annually

Which provinces would this job be in?

Alberta AB
Alberta
British Columbia BC
British Columbia
Manitoba MB
Manitoba
New Brunswick NB
New Brunswick
Newfoundland & Labrador NL
Newfoundland & Labrador
Nova Scotia NS
Nova Scotia
Ontario ON
Ontario
Prince Edward Island PEI
Prince Edward Island
Quebec QC
Quebec
Saskwatchewan SK
Saskwatchewan

My workplace changes every day. Sometimes I’m out in muddy fields herding animals, and other times I’m at my desk managing budgets and analyzing data to keep the farm running smoothly.

Workplace

Indoor / Outdoor

Job Requirements & Duties

  • Monitor the health and wellbeing of livestock, adjusting nutrition to support growth and productivity
  • Oversee daily farm operations, including fence repair, stall maintenance, and preparing feed and bedding for seasonal needs
  • Hire and train staff to recognize and respond to animal health issues and maintain high care standards
  • Manage the buying, selling, and transportation of livestock to meet production and market needs
  • Keep accurate financial records and plan budgets to ensure farm operations run efficiently
  • Develop and manage breeding programs to improve herd quality and productivity
  • Promote sustainable farming practices by managing land and resources to protect soil, water, and local ecosystems

Education & Training

  • While no post-secondary education is required, a diploma in agriculture or animal husbandry can help candidates stand out from the competition. 
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Job Outlook

    There will always be a need for livestock farmers to care for animals and produce food and materials. With hard work and experience, livestock farmers can grow into leadership roles on farms or run their own operations.

Related School Subjects

Science
Ed. Prof. et Tech.
Career Education

What words come to mind when thinking about this career?

Animals Livestock Management Farming

Important Skills

Patience

Working with animals takes patience, and staying calm helps me build trust with them and handle any challenges with confidence.

Leadership

I train my team to provide excellent care, knowing they’ll support the animals just as well when I’m not there.

Decision Making

Every day brings new opportunities to make smart choices that improve the health of the animals and the success of the farm.

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Resilience

I stay positive and adaptable, turning challenges into chances to learn and grow as a livestock farmer.

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The Best Things About This Job Are…

Working with Animals
Helps Others
Own Boss
Working in a Small Business