Sheep and Wool

This includes the raising of fat lambs, wool growing and harvesting, and sheep breeding.

Sheep and wool farming involves the production of meat and wool for profit. Successful farming requires the management of livestock, the farm property, people and finances. Sheep and wool production is carried out in all states, and across a wide range of climates.

Do you want to work in an exciting, challenging industry that involves handling animals and machinery with extensive out-of-doors work? The Australian sheep and wool industry offers all this and more.

The Australian sheep and wool industry is one of Australia's oldest and best known industries. In the drier parts of Australia, sheep are often found on very large properties (stations) where they feed on native shrubs. Mustering and moving (droving) sheep can involve working with horses, motorbikes and sheep dogs.

In medium to higher rainfall areas, sheep are often found on smaller properties usually as part of a mixed farming operation. These sheep are often fed on non-irrigated pastures or on crop residues, and are more closely monitored and managed.

The type of work carried out on a sheep and wool property has been classified into 6 levels. These levels also relate to training and qualifications.

The titles for those who work at these levels are:

* Level 1: Farm Assistant

* Level 2: Farmhand or station hand

* Level 3: Senior farmhand or senior station hand

* Level 4: Head stockman

* Level 5: Farm or station manager

* Level 6: Rural business manager