OFO No: 612101

Other names for Livestock Farmer:

Feedlot Manager
Game Farmer
Livestock Farm Foreman
Livestock Production Supervisor
Pig Farmer
Race Horse Stables Manager
Race Horse Transport Manager

What is a Livestock Farmer?

Livestock Farmers will usually farm one kind of animal for food (meat, eggs, milk etc) or for clothing (leather, wool, feathers etc). 

For example: cows, sheep, goats, horses, llamas, pigs, game, poultry, fish, bees, etc.

Livestock Farmers will also make sure that all the parts of the farmed animal are used, eg:  organs are used for medicines like insulin, hooves and horns are used for buttons, combs, glues and knives and the manure from these animals will be sold to make plants grow better.

What does a Livestock Farmer do?

• keeps up to date and researches different breeding methods to ensure strong, healthy stock
• attends livestock auctions and buys new bloodlines
• selects suitable males for breeding purposes
• inspects herds/flocks etc for injuries and diseases
• liaises with veterinarians where necessary
• monitors fields, paddocks, barns etc
• inspects machinery, services and maintains it good working order
• sells stock
• feeds livestock with grazing and provides water 
• adds vitamins, minerals, and protein so that the animals stay healthy
• depending on animal – provides housing or shelter

Are you … ?

• passionate about farming?
• a person who cares for the well-being of animals?
• willing to work outdoors?
• physically strong and healthy?
• patient and persistent?
• self motivated?
• flexible?
• a problem solver?
• mechanical?
• entrepreneurial?
• a person with a head for business?

How do I become a Livestock Farmer?

Most Livestock Farmers usually work on their family farm collecting experience and skills through this method. 

However, if you would like to go into livestock farming and maybe manage a farm – here are a few institutions that will give you various qualifications that could equip you with all the necessary skills.

PATH 1

Workplace experience (learning and working from the bottom up)

PATH 2

Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) Level 3 

General Education and Training Certificate in Agriculture

PATH 3

Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) Level 3 

National Certificate in Agriculture (N1, N2 and N3)

PATH 4

Minimum Grade 9

National Certificate (Vocational) in Agriculture  (NQF Level 2, 3 and 4)

PATH 5

Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) Level 3 

Learnership – Animal Production NQF Level 1 , 2 and 3

PATH 6

Matric

Certificate in Agriculture

PATH 7

Matric

Diploma in Agriculture (Livestock) 

PATH 8

Bachelor of Agriculture (Livestock)

PATH 9

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Livestock) NQF Level 07

PATH 10

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture  (Livestock) NQF Level 08

Livestock Farmers might also study business degrees, animal husbandry, or any other form of skill that might assist them to improve their farming techniques, production of managing skills.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Horse Breeder … or … Beekeeper

Is becoming a Livestock Farmer the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 612901

Other names for Bird Farm Manager:

• Avian Farmer
• Avian Farm Foreman
• Avian Production Supervisor

What is a Bird (Avian) Farm Manager?

A Bird (Avian) Farmer Manager specialises in breeding various types of birds. 

For example: exotic species for pet shops or export or breeding chicks for poultry and/or egg-producing farmers. 

(A special permit is necessary to export birds).

What does a Bird (Avian) Farm Manager do?

• protects birds from natural enemies
• makes sure birds are healthy at all times
• feeds, waters birds
• studies the diets of the birds
• shelters the birds from bad weather
• makes sure their birds’ area is similar to its natural habitat
• talks with customers and farmers
• stays up to date on the current market

Are you … ?

• allergic to feathers and/or dust?  If YES, this career choice is not recommended!
• love birds and nature?
• interested in farming?
• love biology?
• willing to work long hours with stinky smells?
• a person enjoys being outdoors?
• self-motivated?
• a thinker?
• responsible?
• patient?
• calm under pressure?
• mechanically minded?

How do I become a Bird (Avian) Farm Manager?

Training is usually required on the job.  Working with an experienced Bird Farmer is the way to go.  No special training is available to become a bird-farm manager, however a love of birds is very important. 

A degree or diploma in farm management and/or further studies in avian science would be recommended.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

Examples of some institutions which offe a BSc degree in Animal Sciences:

• UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences

• STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY 

Department of Animal Sciences

• UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE

Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences

• UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL

Department of Animal and Poultry Science

• UNIVERSITY OF FORT HARE

Department of Livestock and Pasture Science

• UNIVERSITY OF THE NORTHWEST

Department of Animal Production

• UNIVERSITY OF VENDA

Department of Animal Science

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Beekeeper … or … Animal Breeder

Is becoming a Bird (Avian) Farm Manager the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Floriculturist?

Floriculture may be a bright and colourful career choice for you!

Floriculture, or flower farming, is a horticultural discipline. 

A Floriculturist focuses on the cultivation of flowering and ornamental plants for gardens, floral industry and for export. They also develop new varieties.

A proportion of flower farming takes place in greenhouses, but most are produced outdoors eg: herbaceous plants, flowers and cut flowers.

Those employed in the flower growing sector are likely to do some of the following:

• grows and harvests of commercial flowers (retail and export)
• manages flower seeds and essential oil crops
• manages and maintains fields and controlled growing environments
• manages post-harvest treatments and production of plant products (dried flowers etc)

Floriculture may provide an interesting and exciting career for those seeking outdoor work involving growing, harvesting and preparing flowers and foliage for sale.

What does a Floriculturist do?

• meets with potential clients, retail and market-drive people to discuss orders
• propagates, grows and markets of all cut flowers, flower seeds and seedlings
• grows bulbs
• assists with nursery operation
• treats disease through chemical protection of plants
• facilitates post-harvesting storage of raw materials and products
• handles preservatives
• keeps records
• works within budgets, keeps books, sends out invoices, collects monies

Are you … ?

• passionate about flowers?
• a lover of the outdoors?
• willing to work under all kinds of weather conditions?
• observant?
• patient?
• practical?
• mechanically & technically minded?
• able to work with budgets?
• a good communicator and negotiator?

How do I become a Floriculturist?

There are no direct Floricultural training courses to be had at the moment, however to get into this exciting field you will have to take a slightly different route.

• AGRI SKILLS TRANSFER (Pty) LTD

Offers National Certificates in Plant Production NQF Level 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
General Education and Training Certificate: Ornamental Horticulture NQF Level 1
They also offer a variety of other courses which may help you.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Farmer (Crop) … or … Florist

Is becoming a Floriculturist the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Viticulturist?

Viticulturists are also known as grape growers. The job of a Viticulturist is to grow grapes for the purpose of making wine.

Viticulture is the study of the science of growing grapes which covers:

• study of vine selection
• irrigation styles
• planting techniques
• pest and disease management
• optimal harvesting

The process starts by preparing the soil for planting the seedlings, whose growth is monitored on a regular basis.

Supports, called trellises, are constructed for the young vines to grow along and to keep them up.

The canopies – (the way in which the leaves form a tent) – are managed by the viticulturists.

What does a Viticulturist do?

• prepares the soil before planting vines
• identifies and controls pests and diseases
• prunes and maintains vineyard
• works out the production costs
• keeps up to  date with technology
• supervises workers
• organises picking of grapes
• checks the quality of the grapes
• transports grapes

Are you … ?

• interested in farming or in wine making?
• passionate about the outdoors?
• physical and strong?
• willing to work long hours?
• a good manager?
• a person with a head for business?

How do I become a Viticulturist?

• UNIVERSITY OF STELLENBOSCH 

A Bachelors (BScAgric) in Viticulture and Oenology can be obtained from the University of Stellenbosch to qualify as a wine maker. 

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Wine Steward/Sommelier … or … Wine Maker

Is becoming a Viticulturist the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 622101

Other names for Trout Farmer:

Aquaculture Farm Foreman
Aquaculture Production Supervisor
Fish Production Foreman
Hatchery Foreman
Hatchery Manager (Fresh Water Fish)
Netting Foreman

What is a Trout Farmer?

Trout Farmers spawn and raise trout for commercial purposes. See under Aquaculturist and Ichthyologist on our website for more details.

Most Trout Farmers have their own farms, from which they run commercial trout fishing operations. 

Most Trout Farms have guesthouses and overnight facilities, which serve as an extra income for the farmer.  Trout fishing is a growing industry in South Africa, with more people taking it up as a hobby.

What do Trout Farmers do?

• they breed and raise trout fish
• clean and prepare fish
• collect data and record growth, production and environmental info
• supervise stock examinations
• identify diseases
• deliver to markets
• monitor fish breed programs
• build tanks
• maintain tannks and machinery and other equipment
• manage fish hatchery workers

Are you . . . ?

• interested in fish?
• a person who likes science?
• interested in the environment?
• interested in research?
• good with your hands?
• willing to work hard?

How do I become a Trout Farmer?

PATH 1

Learnership – Animal Production NQF Level 1 , 2 and 3

PATH 2

Bachelor of Science in Aquaculture 

• University of Zululand

PATH 3

Postgraduate Diploma in Aquaculture 

• University of Stellenbosch

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Limnologist … or … Water Care Technologist

Is becoming a Trout Farmer the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 612902

Other names for Game Farmer:

Game Farm Foreman
Game Production Supervisor

What is a Wildlife/Game Farmer? 

Tourism is this country can be extremely profitable. Most tourists come to see our wildlife.  

A Wildlife/Game farmer breeds wildlife (game) for:

• To restock game farms or national parks
• To increase numbers of endangered wildlife (eg cheetahs, roan, sable, rhinos etc)
• For hunting
• For export to other parks or zoos
• For private farms

Most game gets sold at local auctions. In 2013, one male buffalo sold for R18 million! This bull will go into a breeding programme to make sure quality of calves improves.

What does a Wildlife/Game Farmer do?

• looks for the right piece of land for farming wildlife
• monitors and studies breeding stock
• selects and buys good quality breeding specimens
• looks out for parasites & diseases and controls them
• monitors fences – keeps animals safe inside and people safe outside
• controls nutrition
• assists and monitors breeding programmes
• attend auctions (sell & buy)
• negotiate deals with overseas and private clients
• manages shipping of animals safely to their destinations
• keeps records

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about wild animals?
• lover of the outdoors?
• a hard worker?
• observant?
• environmentally conscious?
• dedicated?
• a good communicator?

How do I become a Wildlife/Game Farmer? 

A good understanding of genetics and animal sciences would be most important. 

• CLICK HERE for more information on ANIMAL BREEDER

PATH 1

National Diploma in Game Ranch Management 

• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• Tshwane University of Technology

PATH 2

National Diploma in Game Ranch Management 

Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Game Ranch Management 

• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• Tshwane University of Technology

Courses in Wildlife Management would also be extremely beneficial:

• UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

BSc (Hons(Wildlife Management)

• WILDLIFE CENTRE FOR WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (University of Pretoria)

• WILDLIFE CAMPUS

• CONSERVATION ACADEMY

• SOUTHERN AFRICAN WILDLIFE COLLEGE

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

• SAWMA: The Southern African Wildlife Management Association

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Game Ranger … or … Nature Conservationist

Is becoming a Wildlife/Game Farmer the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Game Farm Manager?

In South Africa, Game Farm Managers are responsible for breeding and rearing of high quality game animals (eg zebra, springbok, rhino, etc) for resale. 

They participate in game captures to fulfil orders placed by buyers and ensure the safety and well- being of the animals during capturing. 

They are also responsible for ensuring that the correct grazing is available and that the grazing paddocks can support the amount of game on the farm. 

Game Farm Managers can be self-employed or they can work for large-scale farmers. Game Farm Managers have a deep understanding of breeding methods to ensure the best quality of game are produced.

What does a Game Farm Manager do?

• plans breeding schedules
• determines feed requirements
• monitors animal health
• ensures required bloodlines are maintained
• ensures availability/stock of game for resale
• takes orders
• co-ordinates deliveries
• advertises
• attends game auctions
• participates in game capture

Are you … ?

• passionate about wild animals?
• a lover of the outdoors?
• interested in breeding patterns?
• a negotiator?
• patient?

How do I become a Game Farm Manager?

There are a variety of ways of entering the career as a Game Farm Manager. 

One can start off as a Game Ranger and then gather experience over years and then become a Game Farm Manager or one can study Game Farm Management.

• NELSON MANDELA METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY

Offers a  3 year National Diploma (Game Ranch Management) and a 1-year BTech (Game Ranch Management).

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Tour Guide: Nature … or … Park Ranger

Is becoming a Game Farm Manager the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Mixed Crop Farmer?

Becoming a Mixed Crop Farmer entails the raising of two or more crops in the same area at the same time.
These crops may include maize, fruit, flowers, etc.  

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Farmer (Crops) and Floriculturist

Is becoming a Mixed Crop Farmer the right career choice for me?

Other names for Agronomist:

Agricultural Immunologist
Agronomist
Agrostologist
Animal Husbandry Scientist
Animal Nutritionist
Companion Animal Nutritionist
Farming Scientist
Plant / Seed Breeder
Plant Biologist / Ecologist / Toxicologist
Plant Pathologist
Plant Pathology Manager
Plant Physiologist
Plant Production Scientist
Pomologist
Quarantine Scientist
Seed Analyst
Seed Product Developer
Seed Production Agronomist
Seed Production Horticulturist

What is an Agronomist?

An Agronomist’s job is to investigate field crop problems and develop new and improved growing methods for higher yields or better quality.

This includes crops such as corn, maize, grain sorghum, peanuts, sunflower, cotton, sugar-cane, potatoes and forage.  

What does an Agronomist do?

• provides information about plant diseases, weed killers and the biological control of insect pests
• advisse farmers about crop rotation, fertilisers, field drainage and irrigation
• represents some manufacturers’ and showing farmers the most effective uses for new products
• travels locally to neighbouring countries to help emerging farmers increase their food production by means of new techniques
• works on developing new types of grains, legumes and grasses that will increase and improve food production and help replenish the soil at the same time

Are you … ?

• interested in agriculture and farming?
• interested in the ‘science of farming’?
• willing to travel?
• able to do research?
• analytical?
• systematic?
• dedicated?

How do I become an Agronomist?

DEGREE

The minimum requirement is a 4-year Bachelors of Science – BSc (Agric) degree with Agronomy which can be done at some universities.

DIPLOMA

Can be done at a University of Technology

• ELSENBURG COLLEGE:  Also offers training in Agronomy

PATH 1

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Livestock Science & Zoology)

• University of Fort Hare
• University of KZN

PATH 2

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Biochemistry)

• University of KZN

PATH 3

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Environmental Microbiology) 

• University of KZN

PATH 4

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Genetics) 

• University of KZN

PATH 5

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Industrial Microbiology) 

• University of KZN

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

Who does an Agronomist work for?

• Department of Agriculture
• Department of Land Affairs
• Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
• Manufacturers of fertilisers, weed-killers and agricultural implements, seed and plant producers
• Educational institutions,
• Co-operatives
• Self-employment (consultant)

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Agricultural Technician … or … Grain and Seed Broker

Is becoming an Agronomist the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Farming Consultant? 

A Farming Consultant is like a farm owner’s right hand person. A Farming Consultant’s job is to assist a farm owner in almost every aspect of their farm.  It therefore stands to reason that Farming Consultants need to have a very varied and up-to-date knowledge base. 

Some Farming Consultants will specialise in just one area, for example: Genetics & breeding patterns. 

What does a Farming Consultant do? (depending what they specialise in)

• assists farmers with organising their budgets
• advisse on how to improve the quality of their livestock
• tests soil for seed plantation
• advises on fertilizers and manage order & delivery thereof
• provides training to staff
• keeps farmers up to date with new developments and technology
• assists farmers with regard to new equipment
• assists farmers with staff, mediation and disputes
• acts as legal advisors
• keeps up to date with everything new in the agricultural sector

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about farming?
• a good communicator?
• observant?
• a good listener?
• a people’s person?
• willing to work long and unusual hours if necessary?
• willing to work in remote areas?
• organised?

How do I become a Farming Consultant? 

Farming Consultants usually specialise. It will depend on what you want to ‘consult’ in. Obviously the more varied your skills, the more employable you may become. 

• CLICK HERE – jobs descriptions: FARMING

• CLICK HERE – job descriptions: AGRICULTURE

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Animal Trainer … or … Wildlife Rehabilitator

Is becoming a Farming Consultant the right career choice for me?