Pig farmers are responsible for the daily care and management of pigs raised for the pork production industry. Pig farmers manage the care of pigs that will eventually be slaughtered and processed for sale—often for large commercial operations that have thousands of animals on site. These large farms that specialize in one phase of pig growth and production are more prominent than farrow-to-finish farms.

Pig production involves the management of people and financial, technical and natural resources for the profitable production of pigs. Pig production is mainly an intensive farming operation and occurs in all states of Australia.

New technologies and modern management approaches are revolutionising pig production and helping to establish a basis for future investment and growth.

A farm that raises pigs is called a piggery.

There are three main types of pig farms, according to the United States Department
of Agriculture (USDA):

•  Farrow-to-finish farms raise piglets from birth to slaughter weight, which is usually 108Kg to 122Kg.

•  Feeder pig farms raise piglets from birth to somewhere in the range of 4.5Kg to 27Kg, when they are sold to finishers.

• Finally, finisher farms buy feeder pigs and raise them to slaughter weight.

Breeds in Australia

There are 8 pure breeds of pig remaining in Australia. Three are common in commercial pork production – Landrace, Large White and Duroc.

The remaining five breeds tend to be used by outdoor producers. Their popularity varies according to their commercial value – Tamworth, Wessex Saddleback, Hampshire, Berkshire and Large Black. Some of these breeds are quite rare.
All the breeds were originally imported into Australia. However for biosecurity reasons there are no imports of live pigs or pig semen permitted into Australia today.

 

 

 

ANZSCO ID: 121318

Alternative names: Piggery Enterprise Manager; Piggery Manager; Swineherd Manager, Farm Manager (Pigs), Pig Farm Manager,

Specialisations: Pig Breeder may specialise in the type of pig they produce. Three are common in pig production - Landrace, Large White & Duroc. The remaining five breeds tend to be used by outdoor producers: Tamworth, Wessex, Saddleback, Hampshire, Berkshire and Large Black.
  
Knowledge, skills and attributes
To be successful in this role, you’ll generally need the following skills and qualities:

• Physical stamina: Pig farmers must be able to be on their feet for long periods of time, lift, and bend—especially those working on small farms.

• Analytical skills: Pig farmers must monitor and assess the health of the pigs and quality of the piglets they produce.

• Interpersonal skills: Most commercial pig farms require many staff members, and often, pig farmers must be able to effectively supervise and work with others on the farm.

(Source: Your Career)

Duties and Tasks

The job generally requires the ability to perform the following duties:

• Distributing food to pigs

• Observing animals for signs of illness and giving medication when necessary

• Performing facility maintenance

• Checking for proper ventilation and temperature conditions

• Assisting with problem births

• Performing artificial insemination or other breeding duties

• Coordinating waste removal

• Transporting stock to farms or processing plants

• business monitoring and evaluation

• management of the production system

• total quality management and control

• financial management

• product marketing

• managing human resources.

Working conditions

The work of a pig farmer may involve being exposed to the elements and extreme temperatures from time to time, although commercial pig farming is generally conducted indoors in climate-controlled buildings.

As with most farming and livestock careers, a pig farmer often must work long hours that include nights, weekends, or holidays.

Pig farmers also work closely with large animal veterinarians to ensure the proper health of their animals through vaccination and medication protocols. They may also consult animal nutritionists and livestock feed sales representatives while formulating diet plans.

Education and training/entrance requirements

Nearly all pig farmers have (at minimum) a high school diploma, with many holding degrees in areas such as animal science, agriculture, or a closely related field. Coursework for these degrees usually includes courses in animal science, production, meat science, anatomy and physiology, genetics, reproduction, nutrition, ration formulation, technology, business administration, and agricultural marketing.

 

 

 

 

 

The pig unit manager is responsible for running a productive and sustainable unit. Pig units are often equipped with cutting-edge technology, and the unit manager will be required to make regular data reports on performance to owners.

Working as a unit manager is both challenging and rewarding. You'll need to make decisions to help develop your business while producing a high-quality, safe product.

As a unit manager, you'll oversee the processes of serving (breeding), farrowing (birthing), weaning, and growing pigs. You'll also have an overview of breeding strategies by using modern, high-quality genetics.

Unit managers, whether running indoor or outdoor operations, must act to protect the natural environment and make sure animals are looked after in the best way possible. They also make sure the unit remains profitable.

Units can range from small, family-owned farms to large, multi-site companies. The career progression routes and level of automation are quite different between indoor and outdoor pigs, with more technology and automation being present in the care of pigs reared indoors.

 

ANZSCO ID: 121318
   
Alternative names: Pig Unit Manager, Piggery Unit Manager,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

This role is responsible for the coordination and management of the tasks and people who oversee the care and welfare of pigs, to ensure the farm or site operates at a high standard. This could be at an indoor or outdoor farm/site, but usually focuses on a particular area/unit of production (eg. farrowing, grow-out, etc.)

• 3+ years experience in a pig production role

• Problem solving

• Animal handling and husbandry

• Leadership and management

• Computer literate

• Good Communication Skills

• Driver’s licence

 

(Source: Australian Pork)

 

Duties and Tasks

As a manager, you'll also mentor and manage staff, as well as managing business relationships with suppliers, contractors, and advisers to make sure the business runs smoothly and effectively.

Often, you'll work closely with and plan alongside the farm owner or management consultants. You'll also work with different advisers to ensure the farm works efficiently, productively, and to best practice.

• Coordination of daily operations including staff activities

• Involvement in pig husbandry and handling activities

• Uphold a high standard of biosecurity, health, and welfare

• Record keeping and reporting, including production, management, and quality assurance reports

• Ensure the section/unit is meeting regulatory requirements

• Managing unit/section equipment

• Assist with the recruitment and training of staff

• Support a positive working environment

Working conditions

You may need to have your own transport to get to work.

Education and training/entrance requirements

Many unit managers have progressed in their careers either by starting as a stockperson and building on-the-job skills and experience or by completing a relevant degree in agriculture.

Did You Know? Pig Production Pig production can be divided into three main production stages: • breeding    • weaning    • growing / finishing The breeding unit of a piggery includes the boars, gilts, gestating or dry sows, farrowing sows, lactating sows and sucker pigs. The dry sows are between litters and awaiting either mating (natural or artificial insemination) or confirmation of pregnancy and gestation. The Australian pork industry is committed to gestation stall free (GSF) housing. Sows are kept in loose housing from five days after mating until one week before they are ready to give birth. This can be in individual pens or group housing providing each sow has freedom of movement, meaning she can turn around and extend her limbs. In some cases, bedding may be provided. Generally, boars are housed individually. The farrowing section of a breeding unit houses sows that are due to farrow (give birth) within one week, and lactating sows with their piglets from farrowing to weaning (typically 3-4 weeks). Generally, each sow and litter is kept in an individual farrowing crate with a creep area that is separated from the sow area by side rails. The creep area is needed to protect piglets from being crushed by their mother, and to provide the piglets with creep feed and additional heating. Piglets are typically weaned at 3-4 weeks of age. Weaner pigs are generally aged up to 8-12 weeks. Weaners can be stressed by the change in diet from milk to solid feed, mixing with other pigs and environmental changes, increasing their susceptibility to disease. Therefore, newly weaned pigs must be housed in a warm, dry, draft-free environment to counter these abrupt changes. Grower and finisher pigs are usually aged from 8-12 weeks up to 19-22 weeks of age but sometimes finisher pigs are older, depending on market requirements. These pigs require less environmental controls than newly weaned pigs. They are typically group housed. They are usually fed in ‘phases’, so that the diet is tailored to provide the optimal nutrition required for each growth stage. Individual production units can include one or more of the above pig life cycle stages, but generally fall into one of the following categories: • farrow-to-finish • breeder • weaner • grower / finisher A farrow-to-finish piggery includes the breeder,weaner and grower / finisher stages. Many farrow-to-finish piggeries operate with ‘closed herds’, where no new animals are introduced,and replacement breeding animals are selected from within the herd and / or from artificial insemination. Other farrow-to-finish piggeries bring in some or all of their replacement breeding animals from outside herds. Multi-site piggery systems geographically separate different production stages. A breeder piggery includes breeding stock, with the progeny being removed from the piggery at, or just after, the weaning phase. A weaner or nursery piggery includes only weaner pigs. Most weaner pigs are raised in a controlled environment (mechanically ventilated) conventional shed or in deep litter housing. A grower/finisher piggery may include weaners as well as grower and finisher pigs. The pigs live in conventional sheds or deep litter housing or in a combination of these. Gilt (100 - 160kg) - a female pig that has not produced a litter of piglets yet or is being used to grow out and finish to butcher. Boar (100 - 300kg) Dry Sow (160 - 230kg) Lactating Sow (160 - 230kg) Sucker (1.4 - 8 kg) Weaner (8 - 25kg) Grower (25 - 55kg) Finisher (55 - 100kg) Heavy Finisher (>100kg) (Source: Australian Pork - PDF p21 - 22)

 

 

This experienced stockperson oversees the health and welfare of pigs, supports farm performance and quality assurance activities, and supervises the activities of other stockpeople Could be in farrowing areas, with weaners/growers/finishers, with breeding sows and/or boars, or it could be across multiple production areas. Could also be on an indoor farm, or an outdoor farm. .

 

ANZSCO ID: 363214
   
Alternative names: Senior Stockperson (pigs), Senior Piggery Stockperson, Senior Pig Stockperson
  
Knowledge, skills and attributes

• Time management

• Record keeping

• Animal handling and husbandry

• Leadership and management

• Computer literate

• Excellent Communication Skills - good verbal communicators and have good social skills

• Be accountable and results focused

• Good planners and implementers

• Passionate about pig production

• Familiar with MS Excel and data analysis.

 

 

 

Duties and Tasks

• Supervise the site and facilities in terms of the required human resources, physical resources, safety requirements, consumables, documentation, and measurement devices

• Provide overall maintenance and compliance of the Quality Assurance Program for the site ensuring that all relevant documentation is kept current

• Supervise data collection and recording so information is accurate to aid stock and inventory control

• Undertake specific tasks assigned by management to ensure that environmental, quality and safety goals are met

• Implement preventable maintenance programs to reduce planned and unplanned down time

• Supervise trial sheds, collect, and record data in accordance with trial protocols

• Selection of breeding stock and/or pigs for sale

• Supervision and participation of daily inspection of livestock, such that the animals are appropriately fed, watered, environmental parameters are fulfilled. The Senior Stockperson (Piggery) in this case would work with and supervise a less experienced Stockperson(s)

• Supervision and participation of daily inspection of livestock, ensuring compromised animals are individually assessed, identified, treated and record in accordance with the Herd Health Plan and the industries Model Code of Practice

• Conduct post mortem examinations of deceased stock and report findings

• Collect boar semen at an artificial insemination laboratory

• Undertake processing duties within the artificial insemination laboratory

• Supervision and participation in the mating of animals via individually supervised mating or through Artificial Insemination

• Supervision of the birthing process, including the ability to physically conduct unsupervised internal assessments of females during parturition to minimise this incidence of still births

• Participate in industry training sessions and workshops as required

• Perform any other duty as required by the Unit Manager

• Participate, as well as supervise and train other stockpeople, in daily husbandry tasks including:

  • Feeding and checking pigs

  • Move and weigh pigs

  • Manage sick and injured animals (including administering treatments)

  • Carry out other husbandry tasks (artificial insemination, ultrasound, heat detection, semen collection, etc) as appropriate

  • Keep farm records

  • Clean accommodation/housing and equipment

  • Basic farm maintenance tasks

• Report against farm/production KPIs and performance

• Oversee farm quality assurance activities, procedures, and documentation

• Euthanasia of livestock - euthanise sick or injured stock in a humane manner and in accordance with the Model Code of Practice for Animal Welfare – Pigs 3rd edition

Rob Bailey - Young Agribusiness Leader of the Year 2020
(Source: Australian Rural Leadership Foundation)

 

Working conditions

Senior Piggery Stockpersons work primarily in piggeries or pig farms. These environments can be physically demanding and require working outdoors in various weather conditions. The work may involve handling pigs, cleaning and maintaining pig pens, and operating machinery and equipment.

The job often requires early mornings, late evenings, and weekend work, as the care of pigs is a continuous responsibility. Piggery stockpersons must also be prepared to handle emergency situations and respond to the needs of the pigs at all times. This position requires working to a roster and work on weekends is required.

Education and training/entrance requirements

A formal AQF Certificate III (or higher/equivalent) qualification in Agriculture (Pig Production) and three (3) years recent relevant experience in a medium to large size commercial piggery; OR 2. A minimum five (5) years' relevant employment experience in a medium to large size commercial piggery.

 

 

 

Piggery farm workers are responsible for the care and management of pigs in a farm setting. They play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of the animals, as well as maintaining the overall operations of the farm.

As an assistant stockperson or a livestock general farm worker, you will carry out various farm tasks.

Farm animals are usually referred to on farms as ‘livestock’ or ‘stock.’ As an assistant stockperson, you would help meet farm animals' health and welfare needs. This includes feeding them the correct food, helping to manage grazing pastures where appropriate, and ensuring they have fresh water. You'll also provide clean bedding and maintain fences if animals are kept outside.

   

ANZSCO ID: 842315
  
Alternative names: Senior Piggy Attendant, Assistant Stockperson (Pigs), Livestock General Farm Worker (Pigs), Piggery Farm Worker,
  
Specialisations: most piggery attendants have to do everything on the farm. If the farm is large enough, the piggery attendant could be assigned to look after the sows or piglets.
  
Knowledge, skills and attributes

• Good attitude

• Willingness to learn

• Willingness to work with animals

• Reasonable level of fitness

• Able to work independently

• Time management

• Teamwork and collaboration

• Animal handling and husbandry

• Driver’s licence

 

Piggery Attendant
(Source: Australian Pork)

 

Duties and Tasks

Work individually or in a team to maintain the health and welfare of pigs through daily husbandry activities.Could be in farrowing areas, with weaners/growers/finishers, with breeding sows and/or boars, or it could be across multiple production areas. Could also be on an indoor farm, or an outdoor farm.

• Monitoring animals to keep them in good condition and growing well is essential. You'll also check the animals daily to spot any issues that could become health or welfare problems.

• Feeding and checking pigs

• Move and weigh pigs

• Manage sick and injured animals (including administering treatments) - administering medications and vaccinations as required

• Carry out other husbandry tasks (artificial insemination, ultrasound, heat detection, semen collection, etc.) as appropriate

• Assisting with breeding and birthing processes

• Keep farm records

• Clean accommodation/housing and equipment - this helps prevent animals from becoming sick or injured. You'll be responsible for reporting any issues to your manager should you spot any.

• Managing waste disposal systems

• Ensuring compliance with animal welfare regulations

• Operate and maintain farm equipment and machinery, such as tractors and loaders.

• Basic farm maintenance tasks

 

(Source: TIAH)

Working conditions

Piggery farm workers often work long hours, including weekends and public holidays. The work can be physically demanding and may involve exposure to various weather conditions. It is important for workers to follow strict hygiene and safety protocols to ensure their own well-being and the health of the pigs.

The role provides the opportunity to learn about new technologies that positively impact animal health, welfare, production, and the environment.

You will report to the assistant farm manager, farm manager, or farm owner.

Full-time, part-time, and casual opportunities are available in the industry.

You may need to have your own transport to get to work.

Tools and technologies

   

	These heat mats are the safe and efficient alternative to dangerous and unreliable heating lamps for newborn and growing livestock.
	Feed is often the highest input cost in raising livestock. Eliminate waste and ensure pigs – not the pit – are being fed with Osborne’s full line of automatic Big Wheel Feeders and Electronic Sow Feeders (ESF) for group housing.
	Accurately and efficiently weigh a pig with Osborne's line of small animal portable livestock scales.
	Automatically collect feed intake and growth data for pigs with Osborne's FIRE technology, the global standard in performance testing. Available for small animals and provides the data you need for improved genetic and animal management decision making.

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

No experience needed.

 

 

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Horse Groomer	Jillaroo/Jackeroo	Livestock Transport  Driver	Pastoralist / Sheep Farmer/
Primary Products Inspector	Rat Farmer	Veterinarian	Zookeeper

 

 

Materials sourced from
The Balance Careers [Pig Farmer; ]
Dept of Primary Industries [Pig breeds; ]
Food & Primary Skills Victoria [Pigs; ]
Australian Pork [Piggery Attendant; Senior Stock Person; Unit Manager; ]
Workforce Australia [Senior Stockperson Piggery; ]
Study English in Australia [Senior Piggery Stockperson; ]
Study in Australia [Piggery Farm Worker; ]
Osborne Livestock Equipment [Products; ]
The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture TIAH [Assistant Stockperson; Unit Manager (Pigs); ]
Your Career [Pig Farmer; ]

 

 

 

 

 

 

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