21 Aug
|
Drover Ag Recruitment
|
Augathella
21 Aug
Drover Ag Recruitment
Augathella
The Story
Operating across 100,000 acres in South West Queensland, this progressive, family-owned commercial beef enterprise and seedstock operation produces premium certified organic, grass-fed beef alongside a high-performing commercial bull breeding division. The business is defined by its commercial discipline, certified organic production standards, environmental stewardship, and commitment to cutting-edge agricultural technology. Guided by core values of integrity, excellence, positivity, and smart decision-making, this progressive family business is entering an exciting phase of growth and future expansion.
This is a unique career opportunity to partner with an established family operation and come on a long-term journey of continuous improvement, supported by owners who value true collaboration, mentorship, and open communication.
The Operation
This role is responsible for managing two key properties totalling 42,000 acres, conveniently located just 22km from Augathella on a bitumen road and within easy reach of Charleville. Together, these holdings form a high-volume certified organic dry cattle engine handling backgrounding, young bull grow-out, heifer joining, and organic fattening. While the core breeding herd is based at the owners' home block near Charleville, all young bulls and dry stock transition through these Augathella properties.
The country combines heavy alluvial river systems, fertile Mitchell grass downs, and productive improved brigalow scrub country, offering an exceptional grazing environment. Mustering is conducted with motorbikes and a helicopter.
The enterprise is supported by significant infrastructure and technology investments. A 3,000-acre certified organic winter forage cropping program (oats) is integrated into the operation to finish commercial steers for the high-spec organic grids. The properties feature a modern cattle yard complex with covered sheds, a hydraulic crush, and remote drafting, along with a fleet of modern machinery.
Technology is heavily embedded across the business, utilising Farmbot remote water monitoring, Cibo Labs satellite forage budgeting, Optiweigh in-paddock weighing, and AgriWebb farm management software. The seedstock division applies strict commercial discipline,
selecting top male calves for their annual sale based on natural fertility, early maturity off grass, and structural soundness.
The Role
Reporting directly to the owners, you will be responsible for managing the two Augathella holdings profitably and sustainably. You will lead a first-rate certified organic grass-based growing and fattening program, overseeing quiet, low-stress stock handling, rotational grazing, and weight gain tracking via Tru-Test/Optiweigh. Beyond managing backgrounding steers, young bull grow-out, and assisting the owners with annual bull sale evaluation and preparation, you will be responsible for property, plant, and infrastructure maintenance, and be involved in all property development—including high-standard fencing, poly pipe and pump infrastructure, station tracks, and farm machinery maintenance.
In addition, you will manage all cultivation, planting, and weed control for the 3,000-acre organic cropping program, while maintaining uncompromising standards for workplace safety and animal welfare.
The Ideal Candidate
This position is ideally suited to an ambitious, tech-literate, and forward-thinking beef cattle professional looking to step into a major management role. We are seeking a candidate who brings an inquisitive mindset, high attention to detail, and a collaborative team approach rather than a rigid or dictatorial style. While prior experience in certified organic systems is welcomed, it is not essential—a strong willingness to learn, adapt, and appreciate sustainable beef breeding, organic production, and holistic farming principles is paramount.
Essential attributes include
- Solid practical experience in livestock handling, pasture management, and dry cattle finishing systems.
- Attention to detail and accurate record-keeping relating to stock numbers, cattle weight gains, and seedstock data.
- Strong organisation and communication skills to coordinate with other staff, with the ability to plan ahead to implement work programs and achieve outcomes.
- Ability to manage time, work independently or with a team to problem-solve, and be resourceful.
- Proficiency with digital farm management technology such as AgriWebb, Farmbot, Tru-Test/DataMars, and digital scheduling.
- Practical competency in operating and maintaining modern agricultural machinery, heavy tractors, and cultivation gear.
- A genuine commitment to quiet, low-stress stock handling, chemical-free organic management, and high standards of animal welfare.
The Offer
This position offers an exceptional career chance to partner with a progressive business that actively invests in technology, infrastructure, and staff development, including sponsorship for professional grazing and management courses.
An exceptionally attractive and competitive overall package will be negotiated based on experience. Accommodation is a renovated, air-conditioned 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home featuring modern living spaces, polished timber floors, and established lawns, trees, and gardens in a lovely setting. Additional inclusions cover electricity and high-speed internet/phone.
The homestead is situated just 22km from Augathella, with access to primary schooling, medical services, a post office, and local trade suppliers, as well as school bus connections to Charleville. For candidates moving with a partner, flexible employment opportunities within the business (covering station administration, organic auditing, or stock work) are also available if desired.
Interested?
To apply for this role, please submit your resume along with the contact details of at least three professional references. A cover letter highlighting your experience with livestock data systems and grazing management will be highly regarded. For a confidential conversation, please call John Boote on 0428 245 ***.
Additional information
- Lead a high-tech organic dry cattle, backgrounding & young bull hub.
- Drive performance using precision AgTech (AgriWebb, Optiweigh & Farmbot).
- Join an ambitious, progressive family enterprise on a long-term growth path.
📌 Farm Manager - Organic Beef & Seedstock Operation, Southwest Queensland (Augathella)
🏢 Drover Ag Recruitment
📍 Augathella