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Our client is a livestock breeding property in Victoria's Western District, held by the same family for five generations. The 3,225ha of basalt and loam country on 580mm rainfall runs 9,000 Merino ewes, half joined to prime rams, and 800 Angus cows on long-term Barwidgee and Weeran genetics, now spring calving.

The owners are continuing to invest in the property and the team that runs it. Proway sheep yards built in 2021 have a double bulk handler under a 1,400m2 shed attached to a ten-stand shearing shed, holding around 3,000 grown sheep under cover. The existing cattle yards have a new crush and drafting pens, and new centrally located cattle yards, a machinery shed and a workshop are being planned. A new office, lunchroom and bathroom building will be completed before shearing in November. Laneways link the paddocks, and bore and dam water feed the troughs.

You'll agree the production and financial goals, the annual plan and major capital works with the owners, who help set the breeding direction and enterprise mix. From there, the operation is yours to run on your own judgement, with support from them as you need.

The standard on the property is see it, own it, communicate it. Nobody walks past a sick animal, a leaking trough or a broken fance because it is not their job. Character, communication and leadership weigh as heavily as the skill set.

The Role

This is a working manager's role. You'll plan and allocate the week's work, then work alongside the team, from stock work in the yards to tractor work, fencing and water repairs when needed. You're responsible for every job being planned, allocated and finished to standard, whether you do it yourself or delegate it.

You'll be supported by a permanent team of three, a Senior Livestock Hand and two Station Hands, with casuals when needed and contractors for shearing, crutching and lamb marking. You'll mentor and develop the team, teaching the work and meeting the same standards you expect from them.

Beyond the week-to-week, there is ongoing improvements to pasture & infrastructure across the property.



There's scope for you to lead a further shift towards prime lamb production.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead livestock production. Take ownership of sheep and cattle performance, and plan and run stocking, grazing, lambing, calving, weaning and animal health programs against an annual calendar.
- Run the breeding programs. Manage joining and recommend ram and bull purchases within the agreed breeding direction.
- Manage pasture, feed and grazing. Monitor feed, pasture condition, stocking pressure and seasonal risk, adjust the grazing plan to conditions, and run supplementary feeding within budget.
- Coordinate agronomy. Work with the agronomist and pasture adviser on fertiliser, pasture renovation and weed control, plan the annual fodder harvest, and drive the pasture renovation program.
- Lead the team. Set daily and weekly priorities for the Senior Livestock Hand and Station Hands, check completion and standard, manage performance, leave, training and time in lieu, and recruit with the owners for any further positions.
- Own the contractor calendar. Schedule shearers, crutchers and marking contractors, plan labour for the peaks, and deal with agents, vets, agronomists and suppliers.
- Keep the property to standard. Oversee servicing, repairs and maintenance of vehicles, plant, yards, buildings and sheds, and keep fencing and water materials on hand.
- Plan, budget and report. Develop the annual operational plan with the owners, deliver it within the approved budget, recommend capital improvements, keep livestock, chemical, maintenance and operational records complete in AgriWebb, and keep the owners informed without being asked.
- Manage safety and compliance. Manage Safe Ag Systems,



the farm safety system being rolled out with an external consultant, and keep operational compliance in order.

What You Bring

This role suits an established Farm or Station Manager looking for autonomy, or a robust Assistant Manager ready for the step up with the right support behind them.

Essential:

- Proven leadership of a sheep and cattle team.
- Able to carry out and teach the core practical work: mustering, yard work, husbandry, fencing, water and tractor work.
- A planner, with workload, grazing plans and feed budgets built ahead and adjusted as conditions change.
- A clear communicator, up to the owners and down to the team.
- Proficient in AgriWebb and comfortable using computers, including Excel.
- A safety-first mindset.
- A current driver's licence.
- Australian work rights.

Advantageous:

- Experience building or working to an operating budget.
- Chemical accreditation (ChemCert or equivalent).
- Welding and basic mechanical maintenance.
- Firearms licence.

What You'll Gain

- Package: $115k - $125k (neg) + Super, plus a work vehicle, with reasonable personal use.
- Housing: Renovated five-bedroom weatherboard homestead with two bathrooms, two living areas and an office. The first $600 of each quarterly power bill is covered, and working dog nuts are supplied.
- Autonomy: Owners who help set the direction and then let you run it, with a pasture adviser, vet and agronomist engaged.
- Growth: Scope to develop your commercial and budgeting capability with the owners' support.
- Location: 15km to Mortlake and 65km to Warrnambool and the coast, with the school bus passing the front gate.

How to Step Forward

For more information or a confidential chat, please contact Nick Marchant, Director, on 0466 333 066 or Lemuel Cruz, Talent Specialist, on 0468 093 444.

Who Are March

March offers permanent recruitment and workforce planning services tailored exclusively to Australian agribusinesses. We're about connecting top talent with great businesses - plain and simple.

📌 Station Manager (Hexham)
🏢 March Talent Partners
📍 Hexham