The Story
If you are an energetic, practical, and highly capable livestock professional seeking a flagship farm management position within one of Australia's premier agricultural portfolios, this chance delivers genuine scale, day-to-day autonomy, and long-term security.

Our clients are progressive, well-capitalised pastoral operators with an exceptional portfolio of properties across eastern Australia. Operating within their Victorian portfolio, this 1,950-hectare holding near Penshurst is a proven, high-production enterprise carrying approximately 30,000 DSE. The incoming Farm Manager will take full operational ownership of the property, driving livestock programs, pasture improvement, and capital development in line with the business's established corporate workflows and strategic frameworks. Support is available from a nearby Area Manager as needed, giving an experienced operator the freedom to get on with the job while having a trusted sounding board for major strategic decisions.

This is a true leadership role requiring a mature, practical operator who leads by example in the yards and paddocks while maintaining disciplined operational planning and reporting. You will lead a supportive, highly stable work culture backed by a dedicated full-time team that has cared for the property for 30 years. For an ambitious manager looking to align with an industry-leading pastoral group that actively invests in land, technology, and people, this role offers an outstanding platform.

The Operation
The aggregation comprises roughly 1,950 hectares, with a commercial balance of approximately 60% cattle and 40% sheep, at stocking rates of 14 to 15 DSE per hectare. The beef enterprise centres on 900 high-performing spring-calving Angus breeders, turning off quality steers to feedlot entry specifications alongside opportunistic cattle trading when seasonal conditions allow. The sheep enterprise features 5,000 lambing ewes commencing in mid-June, with prime lambs finished for direct supermarket supply chains or targeted store markets depending on seasonal margins.





Roughly half of the aggregation features volcanic-barrier country, creating a rugged, productive landscape that requires sound livestock stockmanship, reliable working dog teams, and careful grazing management. A central laneway system services the property, supported by ongoing paddock subdivision to optimise pasture utilisation. Handling infrastructure is of an exceptional standard, featuring two fully equipped sets of cattle yards positioned at opposite ends of the farm, a dedicated woolshed and main sheep yards, plus a permanent portable and forcing yard setup at the secondary hub.
Water infrastructure has seen substantial capital development over the last three years, with further reticulation projects planned, alongside a newly completed, modern containment feeding facility with commercial feed troughs to optimise stock management during seasonal transitions.

The Role
The Farm Manager holds full day-to-day operational control of the property, livestock health, feed budgeting, and infrastructure maintenance, ensuring company policies and board directives are effectively implemented on the ground.

Key operational responsibilities include:

- Driving day-to-day livestock husbandry across the breeding herd and ewe flock, including joining, calving, lambing, animal health protocols, and stock movements.
- Leading and organising the full-time station staff and coordinating external contractors, shearing teams, and seasonal casuals.
- Managing rotational grazing, containment feeding protocols, and ongoing pasture/soil health programs in conjunction with agronomic advisors.
- Championing technology adoption across the property, including drone spraying, aerial application, and data-driven pasture management tools.
- Maintaining clean,



well-serviced station plant, vehicles, laneways, fences, and water infrastructure to high standards.
- Overseeing operational planning, setting annual farm budgets, tracking monthly expenditures, and maintaining disciplined station reporting.

The Ideal Candidate
We are searching for a driven, practical, and communicative farm manager who takes immense pride in livestock presentation, country care, and team leadership.
Essential attributes include:

- Demonstrated background in commercial cattle and prime lamb/sheep management at scale, with an instinctive eye for animal health and condition scoring.
- A reliable, well-controlled team of working dogs suited to working across barrier and volcanic country.
- Practical, hands-on leadership style with a natural ability to organise, respect, and work productively alongside an experienced team.
- Strong administrative discipline, including competence with computerised farm records, livestock software, budget management, and routine monthly reporting.
- Forward-thinking mindset with genuine enthusiasm for ag-tech, pasture improvement, and infrastructure development.
- Solid mechanical aptitude and experience operating tractors and general farm machinery, backed by strict preventative maintenance habits.

The Offer
An attractive remuneration package will be negotiated based on experience and capability, supported by performance incentives and structured professional development pathways.
Accommodation is the original, substantial homestead—a high-quality, comfortable family residence set in established grounds close to Penshurst and within easy commuting distance of Hamilton and the coastal hub of Warrnambool. A dedicated station work vehicle, mobile phone, and residential power allowance are provided.

Interested?
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your livestock management background and operational leadership experience. For a confidential discussion, please contact John Boote on 0428 245 261 or email [email protected].

📌 Farm Manager - Mixed Livestock (Cattle & Sheep), Penshurst / Western District -
🏢 Drover Ag Recruitment
📍 Penshurst