Latest listings on our AgJobs Central recruitment page:

• Livestock Hand – Chinchilla, Qld (Stanbroke)
• Administration Manager – Sydney, NSW (Stockinsure)
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• Cattle Station Overseer – Maroonah Station, WA (JC Stock)
• Senior Station Hand – King Island, Tas (AgriTalent client)
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• Assistant Livestock Manager (Agricultural Appointments client)
• Procurement Specialist – Red Meat (Woolworths Group)
• Administration Manager – Bottle Tree Feedlot (Stanbroke)
• Head Stockperson – Maryfield Station (AAM)
• Feedlot Manager – Wonga Plains, Qld (CAMM Agricultural Group)
• Vet & Intensive Business Manager – Vic (Abbey Animal Health)
• Digital Marketing Specialist – NSW (Terranova Seeds)
• Field Technician – Meat Quality Focus (MEQ)

Click here to access these and other exciting meat and livestock supply chain positions currently listed on AgJobs Central.

ANY time offshore labour is discussed within the Australian red meat industry, the focus inevitably goes to the meat processing sector, where overseas visa holders now play a vital part in labour resourcing in day-to-day operations.

Much less well known is the extent of use of foreign labour in other parts of the meat and livestock supply chain.

One sector where there has been growing evidence of offshore workers is lotfeeding.

While there has been no exhaustive survey of the extent of overseas labour in use in the lotfeeding sector, discussions with various stakeholders who employ staff from overseas has built a picture.

Feedback suggests the feedlot sector is primarily sourcing overseas labour from the Philippines, South Africa and the Pacific Islands (notably Fiji), where language issues are less challenging.

Additionally, backpackers from countries like France, the UK and Argentina are being utilised on an ad hoc basis, feedback suggests.

One stakeholder highlighted that South African workers are noted for their livestock experience, strong English language skills and adaptability, making them particularly suitable for feedlot roles.

Philippines labour is also considered highly suitable within the feedlot sector.

The majority of feedlot operations roles filled by overseas labour range from feeding, pen cleaning, feed milling and induction. Some feedlot operators have targeted skilled trade persons including boiler makers and mechanics.

Proportion of overseas labour

Studies suggest the Australian feedlot industry employs about 24,000 full-time equivalent employees, with the number growing in proportion with recent industry expansion.

The proportion of direct feedlot staff originating from overseas varies across facilities, with some operators reporting from 10pc of total staff numbers to as high as 50pc.

This includes both current visa holders and overseas-origin staff who have since gained permanent residency or citizenship.

The Australian Lot Feeders Association understands that as a general rule, a fair number of feedlot operators have 10-20pc of overseas labour as a proportion of their direct workforce.

Visa arrangements:

Most overseas labour used in lotfeeding is brought into the country under the 482 Skilled Work Visa and the PALM (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility) Scheme. The PALM Scheme provides labour from the Pacific Islands but has no pathway to residency, requiring workers to return home after three to four years.

Backpackers are employed under working holiday visas. Persons within the 482-visa situation have university qualifications.

Accommodation challenge

Similar challenges in accommodation are seen as those within the beef processing industry regarding offshore labour. Housing arrangements for overseas staff typically involve company-owned houses or on-site accommodation. For some facilities located in more remote areas, housing scarcity and high rental costs have driven the development of on-site lodging at the feedlot.

Specific arrangements differ, with single workers often provided with on-site or shared company housing, while permanent residents who have brought families may rent in nearby communities.

Lotfeeders are expanding on-site accommodation not only for overseas labour but also as a broader response to challenges in regional housing availability across lotfeeding areas. The high cost of rentals in rural areas, combined with the declining regional infrastructure, makes it essential for some to provide stable, affordable housing options for workers, whether local or international.

Feedlot Occupation Recognition – ANZCO and OSCA

The feedlot industry values overseas labourers for their relevant experience and work ethic, particularly in livestock handling roles, and is making targeted efforts to retain skilled workers through supportive housing and community integration initiatives.

During 2024 ALFA worked to increase the profile of feedlot occupations through the Federal Government’s occupation classification system. Recognition and listing of specific roles in this system is used for immigration processes, helping to identify eligible skilled occupations for various visa programs in Australia.

In December 2024 the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupation (ANZSCO) framework was replaced with the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA), introducing tailored updates to better reflect Australia’s evolving labour market.

More information on this framework and the change can be found here. 

In December 2024 ALFA, through working with ABS and DAFF, achieved recognition of the ‘Feedlot Manager (Beef Cattle)’ occupation as a specialisation of the 152131 Beef Cattle Farmer classified role in the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA).

In addition, ‘Feedlot Worker (Beef Cattle)’ has been included within 841231 Beef Cattle Farm Worker of the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA).

The introduction of OSCA is a crucial development for employers, job seekers, and migration professionals alike, the International Migration and Education Advisors website says.

For employers, it means that job classifications will more accurately reflect the current labour market, while for migrants, especially those applying for skilled visas, OSCA will become the new standard for assessing eligibility.”