Livestock Handler

Step into the essential role of a Livestock Handler, where your affinity for animals and understanding of their behaviour play a vital part in the meat industry. In this position, you’ll be responsible for the care, movement, and welfare of livestock from the moment they arrive at the processing facility until they enter the production line. You’ll work with various animals, using your knowledge of animal behaviour to minimise stress and ensure their well-being.

As a Livestock Handler, you’ll be the first point of contact for the animals, setting the tone for the entire production process. Your ability to handle animals calmly and efficiently is crucial for maintaining both animal welfare standards and production efficiency. You’ll work in various environments, from outdoor yards to indoor holding pens, often in challenging weather conditions.

A typical day as a Livestock Handler begins with checking the facility’s yards and pens, ensuring they are clean, safe, and ready for incoming animals. You’ll then oversee the unloading of livestock from transport vehicles, guiding them into holding areas. Throughout the day, you’ll monitor the animals’ condition, providing food and water as needed, and identifying any health issues that require attention. You’ll move animals between pens and guide them towards the production area when required, using your understanding of animal behaviour to do so calmly and efficiently. You’ll also maintain detailed records of animal movements and conditions. Your day concludes with cleaning and preparing the holding areas for the next day’s arrivals.

In this role, you will:

1. Receiving and unloading livestock
2. Monitoring animal health and welfare
3. Moving animals between areas
4. Maintaining clean and safe holding facilities
5. Recording animal data and movements

Becoming a livestock handler offers an exciting entry point into the beef industry. While formal qualifications can be beneficial, many employers value hands-on experience and offer comprehensive on-the-job training. To get started:

1. Complete high school education or equivalent, with a focus on science and mathematics
2. Gain experience working with animals, preferably on farms or in agricultural settings
3. Apply for entry-level positions at livestock facilities or meat processing plants
4. To work in this role, you may need vaccination or immunisation, including from Q fever
5. Consider additional certifications in food safety and quality assurance