This position offers a diverse range of responsibilities, requiring a proactive approach to both livestock management and farm maintenance. Your contributions will directly impact the productivity and sustainability of the property, providing you with a rewarding and fulfilling experience in the agricultural industry. The Employer This well-known family-owned business Nerstane Merino Stud began in the 1960s and has since become an industry leader in genetics for Merino sheep. They continue to embrace new technology, maintaining their status at the forefront of the industry. Nerstane is located 12 km west of Woolbrook and spans 7,000 acres, where they manage approximately 550 head of cattle and 7,000 Merinos. Additionally, they own a property in the highly productive Yarrowitch Valley, 60 km east of Walcha, which covers a further 5,000 acres and is home to around 300 breeders and 2,000 head of dry stock cattle. A pasture improvement program is run alongside the livestock operations, planting approximately 600 acres on each block annually using a new 160HP Massey Ferguson tractor and a Williams seeder. The company has a well-established history of retaining staff and provides significant opportunities for growth and professional development, valuing work-life balance and offering flexibility for employees with families. The Role Primarily based at the Woolbrook property, Nerstane, your responsibilities will encompass all facets of cattle and sheep husbandry in a hands-on role that requires dedication to the welfare of the livestock. Livestock movements across the property are carried out using a combination of buggies and horses, especially in the steeper, more challenging areas, with well-trained working dogs being integral to this process. It will also include being involved in feeding and maintaining show sheep. The farming infrastructure is modern and well-maintained, ensuring both the safety of the animals and the efficiency of operations with the Woolbrook property being equipped with multiple sets of high-quality steel sheep and cattle yards, which are designed for efficient handling and management of livestock. The main set of sheep yards features advanced equipment such as a Proway bulk handler, a Peak Hill sheep handler for processing, and a Peak Hill immobiliser to safely administer health checks and treatments. While the steel cattle yards offer an undercover working area, with a further four sets of cattle yards located on the Yarrowitch block. As part of your role, you will also be actively involved in the winter fodder cropping program, which is essential for sustaining feed supply during the colder months and not only supports the health of the livestock but also contributes to sustainable farm practices. Your tasks will include planting various forage crops, such as plantain, fescue, chicory, and ryegrass, all of which are selected for their nutritional value and ability to thrive in the local climate. In addition to livestock management and cropping, your duties will extend to maintaining and repairing fences across the property, including building new fences. You will also be responsible for weed spraying to manage invasive plant species, as well as general upkeep of farm machinery, which is crucial to keep operations running smoothly. The Offer A competitive salary will be negotiated with the successful candidate, based on their experience. You will be comfortably accommodated in one of the various accommodation options available on the farm, and utilities are included in the package, with school bus access at the front gate. The farm is located 38 km from the picturesque country town of Walcha, which is known for its sculpture trail, boutique shopping, and excellent coffee. Walcha offers good amenities, including a hospital, general practitioner, dentist, a range of schooling options for children, two grocery stores, multiple pubs, and plenty of sporting opportunities. The larger towns, Armidale and Tamworth, are situated 70 km away and both feature airports as well as some of the best secondary schools and universities in the country. The Ideal Candidate You should have prior experience working with sheep and cattle, as well as the following attributes and skills: Strong mechanical aptitude and welding abilities Experience in maintaining old fences and installing new ones Ability to work independently and as part of a team Familiarity with AgriWebb or similar programs A team of skilled working dogs Capability as a horse person is preferred, but not essential The ability to shear sheep is desirable but not mandatory Chemcert Firearms licence Register your interest If you feel that you’re the right fit for this position, please submit an up-to-date resume along with the contact details of 3 references. Preference will be given to those who supply a cover letter addressing their suitability - that is, tell us what you love about the role and how you think you’re the right fit. For further information, please call Grace on 0439 473 786 or email grace@droverag.com.au
