Agriculture & Food

Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower

SOC 11-9013.00 · ESCO 1311 · OSCA 151132

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Role snapshot

Overview

Oversees the cultivation of broadacre grain, oilseed, pulse crops, and pasture, managing all aspects of farm operations from soil preparation and planting schedules to pest control, fertiliser programs, and harvesting. Utilises advanced agricultural technology and equipment to optimise crop yield, ensure environmental sustainability, and manage farm resources effectively across large tracts of land.

Contributes to global food security by producing essential crops, supports rural economies, and implements sustainable land management practices to maintain soil health and biodiversity.

On the job

  • Plan and implement crop rotation, planting, and harvesting schedules based on seasonal conditions and market demands.
  • Monitor soil health, analyse nutrient levels, and apply appropriate fertilisers and soil amendments.
  • Operate and maintain a range of agricultural machinery, including tractors, planters, sprayers, and harvesters.
  • Manage pest, weed, and disease control programs using integrated pest management (IPM) techniques.
  • Oversee farm staff, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with agricultural regulations and safety standards.
Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower at work

Tools & technology

GPS-guided tractorsCrop yield monitoring softwareWeather forecasting toolsPesticide application equipmentFarm management software

Average salary

$80K
MEDIAN SALARY Annual · USD
$50K Bottom 10%
$130K Top 10%

Job outlook

Stable

Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.

Education & training

Practical experience combined with vocational training or a bachelor's degree in agriculture, agronomy, or farm management.

Career pathways

WHERE YOU COULD GO

Senior Farm Manager
Agribusiness Owner/Operator

CURRENT ROLE

Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower

Agriculture & Food

ADJACENT MOVES

Agricultural Consultant
Farm Hand
Agricultural Technician
Farm Apprentice

STARTING POINTS

Who thrives here

Interest profile

E

enterprising · ERC

People who enjoy leading practical, hands-on operations, making strategic business decisions, and systematically managing resources tend to thrive in this role.

Personality characteristics

Observant

Keenly notices subtle changes in crop health, soil conditions, and weather patterns.

Diligent

Methodically plans and executes complex seasonal tasks, ensuring precision in planting, spraying, and harvesting.

Independent

Comfortable making critical decisions autonomously and spending significant time working in the field.

Resourceful

Adapts quickly to unexpected challenges like adverse weather or equipment breakdowns, finding practical solutions.

Resilient

Maintains a steady temperament and focus when facing unpredictable environmental factors or market volatility.

Best for

  • Individuals who thrive on working independently, problem-solving, and managing a business outdoors.
  • Those passionate about food production, sustainability, and applying scientific principles to land management.

Watch out for

  • Demanding seasonal work often requires long hours, including weekends and holidays.
  • High exposure to unpredictable factors like weather, pests, and market fluctuations.

A week in the life

A representative working week for a Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.

8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm
Mon
Staff briefing & daily plan
Field inspection & crop scouting
Equipment maintenance planning
Tue
Soil testing & nutrient analysis
Farm record keeping & data entry
Wed
Supplier negotiations
Market research & sales planning
Financial management & budgeting
Thu
Machinery operation (e.g., spraying/tilling)
Pest/weed control strategy
Fri
Field mapping & technology setup
Industry updates & learning
Weekly review & forward planning
Deep work Meeting External Social Admin

FREE ASSESSMENT

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